Gambir Lake Pigment

Description

Gambir Lake is a natural botanical pigment created by extracting the tannin rich compounds from the leaves and young shoots of Uncaria gambir, a tropical climbing shrub native to Southeast Asia. Carefully processed and precipitated onto a mineral substrate, Gambir Brown Lake produces a soft, warm brown with subtle golden undertones and a gentle transparency that deepens beautifully in layers.

In watercolor, Gambir Brown Lake offers transparent to semi-transparent washes with a soft, organic texture and a natural, earthy glow. In egg tempera and oil, it provides warm, golden brown glazes perfect for botanical studies, landscapes, antique effects, and historical reconstructions. Its mellow, natural tone harmonizes with earth colors, muted reds, and mineral greens, offering depth and richness without overpowering other hues.

History

Gambir has been used since ancient times in Southeast Asia for tanning leather, dyeing textiles, and traditional medicine. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became a valued export to China, India, and Europe, where it was used not only in tanning and dyeing but also occasionally adapted into lake pigments for fine art applications.

As a pigment, Gambir Brown Lake offered artists a plant derived warm brown alternative to mineral earths and synthetic dyes, prized especially in illuminated manuscripts, natural history illustrations, and traditional craft painting. Its gentle transparency made it ideal for glazing techniques where soft shadows and antique effects were desired.

Today, Gambir Brown Lake continues to be appreciated by artists seeking historically significant, plant based, and naturally warm earth tones for traditional and contemporary applications.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural botanical lake pigment from Uncaria gambir (gambir extract) on mineral substrate
Source: Extraction from Uncaria gambir
Origin: Southeast Asia (natural)
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Egg Tempera, Oil (glazing), Acrylic
Lightfastness: Moderate (best for protected works)
Opacity: Transparent to Semi-transparent
Other Names: Gambir Lake, Gambier Brown, Uncaria Lake
Color Index Code: NBr3

Health and Safety

• For art use only. Not for cosmetic, food or children's use.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.
• Avoid creating or breathing dust. Work in a ventilated area and wear a NIOSH approved dust respirator (P100 or better) when handling dry pigment.
• Wear gloves and eye protection. Wash hands and work surfaces after use, and never rinse pigment into drains.
• Do not spray apply, sand or burn.
• If swallowed or if you feel unwell, contact a poison control center (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or a doctor.
• Safety Data Sheet available on request.