Sandalwood Lake

Description

Sandalwood Lake is a natural botanical pigment created by extracting the soft dye from the heartwood of Pterocarpus soyauxii Taub., a richly colored tropical hardwood sometimes called African sandalwood or barwood. When carefully processed as a lake pigment, it yields a light, elegant pink with warm, slightly coral undertones, rather than the deep reds associated with denser textile dyes.

In watercolor, Sandalwood Lake produces a gentle, transparent blush with a luminous quality that layers beautifully. In egg tempera and oil, it creates delicate warmth perfect for botanical subjects, illuminated manuscripts, portrait glazes, and soft atmospheric effects. Its light pink hue complements historical palettes centered around earth pigments, mineral blues, and gilded accents.

History

Pterocarpus soyauxii has been valued for centuries across Central and West Africa for its vivid red timber, used in fine woodworking, instruments, and dyestuffs. During the early modern spice and dye trades, African sandalwood was exported to Europe and Asia, where it was prized for producing vibrant red dyes for textiles and occasionally adapted for artists' use.

While not as famous as Indian red sandalwood, African sandalwood offered a more readily available botanical red, and careful extraction techniques allowed artisans to produce lighter pink lakes for delicate art applications. Historical references to "sandalwood" dyestuffs in Europe sometimes included African species alongside Indian sources.

Today, Sandalwood Lake from Pterocarpus soyauxii offers artists a rare opportunity to reconnect with botanical lakes, capturing soft, luminous pinks from nature without the harshness of synthetic dyes.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural botanical lake pigment from Pterocarpus soyauxii (African sandalwood) on mineral substrate

Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Egg Tempera, Oil (glazing), Acrylic

Lightfastness: Moderate (protected works recommended)

Opacity: Transparent to Semi-transparent

Other Names: African Sandalwood Lake, Barwood Lake, Sandalwood Pink

Color Index Code: NR22