Picture Details
Scraping lac from twigs
Partner:
Kew GardensImage reference:
ceb0036Origin:
Indian SubcontinentArtist / Date:
Unknown, 1930sDonor / Date:
Imperial InstituteSize:
86 x 136 mmDescription:
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Lac is the resinous secretion from insects feeding on certain species of tree, such as the banyan. After being harvested from the trees, the lac could be scraped off the twigs or was washed and trodden on to separate it. There were then further stages of winnowing and sifting the lac to remove all of the tree debris. Lac is processed into shellac which has a variety of uses including varnishes, polishes and sealing waxes.
