The development of this lac-dye database is an important step towards improving research on lac-dye species, which can contribute to more accurate identification of the provenance of historical textiles. This work reinforces the importance of using taxonomically-verified specimens of Kerria, previously submitted to molecular taxonomic studies, to construct a more reliable lac-dye database capable of identifying the lac species present in historical textiles, as well as the provenance of the insect used.