noun
natural mineral pigments
Pigments made from ground natural minerals, traditionally used in Japanese painting (日本画).
日本画では岩絵具を使うことが多い。
In Japanese-style painting, natural mineral pigments are often used.
顔料 is a general term for pigments, including synthetic ones, while 岩絵具 specifically refers to natural mineral pigments used in traditional Japanese painting.
Compound of 岩 (iwa, 'rock') and 絵具 (enogu, 'paint, pigment'), referring to pigments made from ground rocks.