Red lead production. 19th-century artwork showing workers in China producing red lead. This form of lead oxide, also called triplumbic tetroxide, is prepared by calcination of lead (II) oxide. It is used as a pigment on manuscripts and in paintings. This is the stage where the powder is sifted, ending the production process. Manufacture of red lead in China. This artwork is an opaque watercolour. It dates from circa 1820.