Also known as Eastern Brazilwood, Indian Redwood, Patanga (Sanskrit), Su Fang (Chinese), Suōgān (Japanese), Pau de Sappan (Portuguese), Palo de Sappan (Spanish).

Our premium sappanwood extract is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for use on organic textiles, guaranteeing both sustainability and professional quality. It is sourced from renewable, responsibly managed forests in India and produced from the heartwood of the sappan tree (Caesalpinia sappan).

Historical Note
Sappanwood is the Asian cousin of the famous Brazilwood that gave its name to Brazil. Traded across Asia for centuries, it was prized for its ability to yield bright reds and pinks. In medieval and early modern Europe, it was imported as “Eastern Brazilwood” and widely used until overharvesting made it scarce.

Active Dye Components

• Brazilin (pale pigment that oxidizes to brazilein, producing reds)

CI Colour Name
Closest family: CI Natural Red 24

Shading Tips

• Alum mordant → bright, warm reds
• Copper mordant → deeper plum, wine, and dark reds
• pH shifts → range from soft pink to orange to purple

Light fastness: moderate (reds may soften over time, deeper tones with copper hold longer)

Source
Sustainably harvested in India from renewable forests.