Things Japanese/Vegetable Wax

by by Basil Hall Chamberlain

 

Vegetable Wax. The vegetable wax-tree is closely allied to the lacquer-tree, both being sumachs of the genus Rhus. The berries of the wax-tree are crushed in a press; and the exuding matter, which is intermediate in appearance between wax and tallow, is warmed, purified, and made into candles. It is known in commerce as "Japan wax," and the tree producing it must not be confounded with the famous tallow-tree of China (Stillingia sebicifera Euphorbiaceæ). The berries of the lacquer-tree are sometimes utilised in the same way as those of the vegetable wax-tree.

Book recommended. The Preparation of Vegetable Wax, by Henry Gribble, in Vol. III. Part I. of the "Asiatic Transactions."