Chios Mastiha
Item
Identifier
2025.05
Title
Chios Mastiha
Alternative Title
Mastic; Tears of Chios
Type
Material
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Description
Resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). Gum exudation of small evergreens native to the Mediterranean countries, soluble in both alcohol and turpentine; used for artists' paint and coating lacquer. Mastic varnish becomes yellow and brittle with age. Mastic was used in 16th and 17th century recipes for oil-resin varnishes. In the 19th century, mastic was a popular clear, glossy spirit varnish for oil paintings and was also used as an additive in oil medium. By the 20th century, its use was superseded by dammar.
Subject
artists' materials; resin; resins; varnish
Copyright statement
These images are posted publicly for non-profit educational uses, excluding printed publication. Other uses may not be permitted.