AMERICAN GAMBOGE Meaning and
Definition
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American Gamboge is a term used to refer to a specific type of pigment that is derived from the resin of various tropical trees belonging to the Guttiferae family. It is primarily obtained from the Garcinia hanburyi, which is commonly found in Southeast Asia and parts of India.
The pigment itself is a bright yellow or orange-yellow color, often resembling the shade of a ripe lemon. It has a transparent and intense quality, making it ideal for use in artistic endeavors, particularly in watercolor painting. American Gamboge is known for its ability to create vibrant and warm tones, and its highly transparent nature makes it a popular choice for glazing techniques.
The name "American Gamboge" is derived from the town of Gamboge in Cambodia, where a similar pigment was once produced. However, the pigment found in the Garcinia hanburyi tree is distinct from the original Cambodian gamboge, hence the additional descriptor "American." This distinction is important as the two pigments vary in their chemical composition and color.
American Gamboge has been widely used in artworks since the early 19th century. It has also found applications in the field of medicine, where it has been used as a purgative and a treatment for various gastrointestinal disorders. American Gamboge continues to be valued for its beautiful and vibrant hue, as well as its transparency and versatility in artistic and medical fields.
Etymology of AMERICAN GAMBOGE
The word "gamboge" comes from the Spanish word "gambogio", which was derived from the Latin word "gambogium". Gambogium referred to a yellow resinous substance that was derived from certain trees found in Southeast Asia. This substance was used as a pigment, particularly in the production of yellow dyes and paints.
The addition of "American" to "gamboge" is a way to specify a particular type or variant of gamboge. In this case, it refers to a type of gamboge that was sourced from trees native to the Americas.
Overall, the term "American Gamboge" was likely coined to distinguish the variety of gamboge obtained from American sources from the traditional gamboge found in Asia.
