Lac Dye – Cherry Red (Coccus Laca )

This red pigment, which the English call lac, is obtained from a resinous dark red substance found in the secretions and eggs of female insects of the species Coccus lacca or Kerria lacca lacca, of the Kerriidae family, as deposited in certain trees and bushes. From this material shellac is obtained. The term lac, from which the word lake is derived, is used generically to describe the complexes obtained by the chemical fixing of dyestuffs in inorganic material. From this Indian Lake is obtained, a deep and dark red pigment that is very lightfast. Between 1960 and 1980 the chemical nature of this dyestuff was shown to be several derivatives of the anthraquinone known as laccaic acid A, B, C, E, F) and small amounts of kermessic acid. Widely used during the Renaissance, the best lac dyes were named for the cities in which they were prepared —Venice, Florence, Antwerp—which happened to be major ports. OLD WOOD processes the traditional Indian lac to obtained a shiny red with strong brown and deep purple hues, and great transparency.