Lacquer and Pigments

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to learn lacquer painting in Hanoi. I would really like to have another go but don't know enough about the materials to see if I can get them here. The traditional lacquer is made from the Rhus tree which I believe can cause allergy problems and at the school we used a modern version. We used powdered pigments to create opaque and transparent colours.

The lacquer came in brown and black. Does anyone have any suggestions for similar products available here? I wouldn't mind if the lacquer was clear.