Vermilion is a historical orangish red pigment/color. It is a compound of mercuric sulphide and is artificially made since the 8th century. It was the main pigment that was used to get the red color in paintings and art work. Ancient Roman art and decoration widely used this pigment. It was also used as a primary color in the paintings of Renaissance period. Manuscripts of the Middle Ages were also seen illuminated using this color. It was a favorite color for the Chinese art and lacquerware. This was used as the principal red in paintings until the development of its synthetic equivalent, cadmium red.