I work at a independently owned retail art supply store and the the small container was sent (along with a myriad of other supplies) from one of our locations that was closing down. When I inquired about the substance at both my store and the store that was closing no one seemed to know what it was. So you see it was not some anonymously sent package in the mail. Give me a little credit... puh-leez

Thanks for the advice anyway.

Anyone else have any ideas?

-H-

I have even checked Russian list of art materials (they are more traditional with it and still use stuff from the old cennini book... no galkyd bs..)

My guess would be a varnish composite, but you have thought of it yourself... check if it dissolves in alcohol...

ilia

I think you mean sandarac, a resin from Morroco. It is also an incense, try to burn a little bit and tell us how it smells.

Do a google search "sandarac" I started to read the results, it apparently acquires a ruby patina with age, like ruby shellac.

I still have no idea how we acquired the stuff, but I am gratified to know what it is.

Thanks again.

-H-