蘇芳(すおう)suō
マメ科の灌木(かんぼく)で、インド・タイ・マレーシアなどを原産とする。幹の心材を煮沸(しゃふつ)して煎汁を取り、染色に用いる。蘇芳色といえば一般には赤褐色を指すが、蘇芳は媒染剤を変えることによって赤紫、紫などの色を出すこともできる。
第75回 正倉院展、2023年
Sappanwood
Caesalpina sappan. A tree that grows in South and Southeast Asia, the wood of which yields a dark red dye when boiled. Although the color suōiro refers to brownish red, in fact, the dye yields a spectrum of colors from true red to purple, depending on the mordant used. Sappanwood was also used as a stain. As a medicine, it is used to treat diarrhea and vomiting.
74th Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in Treasures, 2022
蘇芳地金銀絵花形方几 第3号（中倉177）
Lobed Offering Table Stained with Sappanwood and Painted in Gold and Silver (Middle Section 177)
Lobed Offering Table Stained with Sappanwood and Painted in Gold and Silver (Middle Section 177)