punic wax
- Scope note
- A particular type of processed beeswax that was used in encaustic paintings. Punic wax was probably made by combining beeswax with soda lime to produce a waxy soap. Repeated washings in hot water removed any excess caustic. Experiments conducted in Berlin to recreate an ancient recipe yielded flakes of a hard brittle wax that melted between 73-75C (163-167 F).
- Date of creation: 27-Jan-2025
Accepted term: 27-Jan-2025