{"product_id":"lac-magenta-lake-pigment-425137909","title":"Lac Magenta Lake Pigment","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLac 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eLac 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompared 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eHistory\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAncient India and Southeast Asia: Used as a textile dye and pigment, lac-derived colors were prized for their rich, deep reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eMedieval and Renaissance Periods: Lac Lake was a popular pigment in illuminated manuscripts, Persian miniatures, and European paintings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e16th 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e19th to 20th Centuries: Gradually replaced by synthetic reds but still valued for restoration work and historical reconstructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eModern Use: Favored by conservators, traditional artists, and those seeking natural pigments for artistic applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003ePigment Information\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePigment Type: Natural Lake Pigment \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSource: Kerria lacca (Lac Insect) \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCountry of Origin: India, Southeast Asia \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic, Cold Wax, Casein, Milk, Swedish Flour, Lime \/ Fresco, Violin \/ Varnish\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLightfastness: Acceptable\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOpacity: Transparent\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther Names: Lac Dye, Lac Red, Crimson Lake \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eColor Index Code: NR25\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePictured Artwork: \"Scene from Landscape with Gibbons and Cranes\", formerly attributed to Qiu Ying from the Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Morrow Archival","offers":[{"title":"2 Grams","offer_id":47875246653662,"sku":"PL-406-0000-0002g","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Grams","offer_id":47875246686430,"sku":"PL-406-0000-0010g","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20 Grams","offer_id":47875246719198,"sku":"PL-406-0000-0020g","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0739\/2821\/2702\/files\/b21a141c-9608-43d7-b5ba-44f3ffa55141-copy.jpg?v=1769982477","url":"https:\/\/morrowarchival.com\/products\/lac-magenta-lake-pigment-425137909","provider":"Morrow Archival","version":"1.0","type":"link"}