soot

(noun)

Fine black or dull brown particles of amorphous carbon and tar, produced by the incomplete combustion of coal, oil, etc.

Related Terms

Examples of soot in the following topics:

  • Liquid Media

    • Evidence for the earliest Chinese inks, similar to modern inksticks, dates back to around 256 BC; these inks were produced from soot and animal glue.

  • Calligraphy during the Six Dynasties Period

    • The implements of calligraphy included the brush pen made of animal hair and black inks made from pine soot and animal glue.

  • Sculpture of the Old Kingdom

    • Paints were obtained from minerals such as iron ores (red and yellow ochres), copper ores (blue and green), soot or charcoal (black), and limestone (white).