Lac Magenta Lake

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.

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.

Health and Safety

Precautions:  
Keep out of reach of children and pets.  
Do not consume.  
Not for cosmetic or food usage.  
Do not spray apply.  
For further health information, contact a poison control center.  
Use care when handling dry pigments and avoid dust formation.  
Use particular caution with fibrous, fine, or toxic pigments.  
Do not eat, drink, or smoke near dry pigments.  
Avoid breathing in pigment dust and use a NIOSH-certified dust respirator with sufficient rating for dry pigment.  
Wash hands immediately after use or handling.  
If dust is likely, always wear protective clothing to keep out of eyes, lungs, and off skin, as well as keep the area ventilated.  
This product may contain chemicals known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.  
Warnings and bottle information are abbreviated.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural Lake Pigment  
Source: Kerria lacca (Lac Insect)  
Country of 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