Lac Magenta Lake Pigment

Description

Lac Lake is a natural lake pigment made from the Kerria lacca insect, which inhabits trees in India and Southeast Asia. The raw lac resin is processed to extract the rich red orange or red purple dye, which is then precipitated onto an inert base of calcium carbonate to create a stable pigment. This historical pigment has been widely used in manuscript illumination, textile dyeing, and traditional painting.

Lac Lake produces a warm, transparent crimson with subtle violet undertones, ideal for glazing and layering in watercolor, oil, and tempera applications. While it is not as permanent as some mineral based reds, it remains a valuable pigment for historical reconstructions and artistic experimentation.

Compared to synthetic reds, Lac Lake offers a soft, organic tone that blends harmoniously with other plant based pigments. To enhance its longevity, it is best used in combination with UV protective mediums or varnishes.

History

Ancient India and Southeast Asia: Used as a textile dye and pigment, lac derived colors were prized for their rich, deep reds.

Medieval and Renaissance Periods: Lac Lake was a popular pigment in illuminated manuscripts, Persian miniatures, and European paintings.

16th to 18th Centuries: The pigment was widely traded along the Silk Road and used in fine art and textiles. In "Scene from Landscape with Gibbons and Cranes", Lac Lake is used as a wash over the delicate white flower blossoms to create a glowing purple.

19th to 20th Centuries: Gradually replaced by synthetic reds but still valued for restoration work and historical reconstructions.

Modern Use: Favored by conservators, traditional artists, and those seeking natural pigments for artistic applications.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural Lake Pigment
Source: Kerria lacca (Lac Insect)
Origin: India, Southeast Asia
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic
Lightfastness: Acceptable (fades with prolonged exposure to light)
Opacity: High translucence
Other Names: Lac Dye, Lac Red, Crimson Lake
Color Index Code: NR25
Image: "Scene from Landscape with Gibbons and Cranes", formerly attributed to Qiu Ying from the Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution.

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.