Gamboge ( ) is a deep-yellow pigment derived from a species of tree that primarily grows in Cambodia. Popular in East Asian watercolor works, it has been used across a number of media dating back to the 8th century. including the robes of Buddhist monks. Gamboge is toxic to humans, and is potentially deadly in large doses. Due to its toxicity and poor lightfastness, gamboge is no longer used in paints, though limited use continues in other contexts. However, gamboge does not react well with lime surfaces, making it unsuitable for frescos and with white lead.

History

Gamboge's first recorded use dates back to the 8th century during which time it appeared in Japanese art. During this time, shipments of the gum which makes gamboge were found to contain bullet casings and other impurities which tainted the pigment.

The trees must be at least ten years old before they are tapped. The resin is extracted by making spiral incisions in the bark, and by breaking off leaves and shoots and letting the milky yellow resinous gum drip out. The resulting latex is collected in hollow bamboo canes. After the resin is congealed, the bamboo is broken away and large rods of raw gamboge remain.

Visual characteristics

After being extracted from the tree, gamboge resin has a brownish-yellow color; Its first recorded use as a colour name in English was in 1634.

Notes

References

  • https://web.archive.org/web/20090410075328/http://www.sewanee.edu/chem/chem%26art/Detail_Pages/Pigments/Gamboge