Gummigutta

Gummigutta is a pigment derived from the resin of certain trees, primarily species of the Garcinia genus native to Southeast Asia. The resin is collected by making incisions in the bark, and the resulting gummy substance is then dried and processed into a pigment. Historically, gummigutta has been used as a yellow pigment in paints and varnishes, known for its vibrant hue and good lightfastness. It was particularly popular among artists in Europe from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

The pigment is soluble in alcohol and alkaline solutions but insoluble in water. Its chemical composition is complex, but it contains compounds such as guttiferins and xanthones. Beyond its artistic applications, gummigutta has also found use in traditional medicine in its native regions, though scientific evidence for its efficacy in many of these uses is limited. In modern art supplies, gummigutta is less common due to the availability of synthetic pigments with similar properties and potentially greater stability. However, it can still be found in some specialized art materials and historical reproductions. The name "gummigutta" itself is derived from the Malay words "getah" meaning resin and "gutta" referring to the pigment.