Picture Details
Lac branches being gathered
Partner:
Kew GardensImage reference:
ceb0033Origin:
Indian SubcontinentArtist / Date:
Unknown, 1930sDonor / Date:
Imperial InstituteSize:
136 x 84 mmDescription:
Click here for more details
Lac is the resinous secretion from insects feeding on certain species of tree, such as the banyan. It is collected and processed into shellac which has a variety of uses including varnishes, polishes and sealing wax. Here the branches of the tree encrusted with lac (stick-lac) are being harvested from the trees, perhaps growing in the wild or on specially grown plantations. The lac would have been removed and sold to shellac manufacturers. Two crops like this could be produced in a year.
