Armenian bole

The distinctive flame red is a striking feature of the mature style of Iznik pottery. It comes from an iron-rich red earth, or bole, found in Armenia.

Armenian bole, also known as bolus armenus or bole armoniac, is an earthy clay, usually red, native to Armenia. It is red due to the presence of iron oxide; the clay also contains hydrous silicates of aluminum and possibly magnesium.

Uses

Historically, it was used as an astringent, prescribed against diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhage, etc. Externally, it was used in strengthening plasters, against dislocations of the joints. Physicians sometimes also called it Rubrica Synopica, from the city of Synope, where it is supposed to be found.

It is also used in bookbinding for coloring, or applied to the edges during gilding, as a base for the gold leaf and to give the binding a greater depth and luster.

Finally, it was also used in the waterproofing of windmill sails. A popular mixture was: 10 liter water, combined with 0,75 liter linseed oil, 0,75 liter grease, and 1 kg of bolus.

See also

• Levant bole, a similar clay, often used in place of Armenian bole

References

•  This article incorporates content from the 1728 Cyclopaedia, a publication in the public domain. [1]
• "Armenian bole". Bookbinding and the Conservation of books: A Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology. http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/don/don.html. Retrieved 2006-01-22.