Persian rugs – the traditional dyeing process

One of the most enduring features of the Persian rug is its vibrancy of colour, and these colours are part of the uniqueness of each rug.

Prior to the 20th century traditional dyes used in Persian rugs were obtained from plants, animals and insects, and recipes for dyes were handed down from generation to generation within families and tribes.

What materials were traditionally used to produce dyes?

The favoured colours used in the Persian rug came from the familiar cooking spices turmeric and saffron. Cultivated saffron produced a pure yellow, and turmeric root yielded a lighter yellow. An ingredient that is less familiar to us, except in nursery rhymes, is the mulberry bush. A fungus that grew on the bush was the source of a green-yellow.

We’re familiar with cochineal as food colouring for baking, but for centuries the bright red cochineal insect was a staple ingredient in the colour of the Persian rug. The kermes insect found in the bark of oak trees also produced a red hue, and is where the word ‘crimson’ originated. A common Persian plant, Madder, provided shades of red, pink or violet, depending on how it was treated.

Pure blue dyes were created by from indigo plants which came from India and China. Black was seen in the Persian rug less frequently because the process used to obtain the dye – soaking iron shavings in vinegar – could have a corrosive effect on the wool.

Other shades were produced by mixing combinations of these with other natural ingredients. For example, brown came from mixing madder with yellow and green walnuts, although this had a tendency to fade the Persian rug as it aged.

Persian rugs could also contain substances as exotic as gold and silver thread, although these were reserved as gifts for the rulers of neighbouring countries and often meant the difference between peace and war!

Dyeing the wool

One of the most appealing things about owning a Persian rug is its uniqueness, and the colouring process ensured that each rug was truly individual.

Yarn wasn’t dyed in the skein (ie in bulk). Rather, each individual strand was dyed then left to dry in the open air, exposing it to the elements. This meant that strands had a variation of colour even when they had been dyed in an identical mix.

Introduction of synthetic dyes

Around 1870 synthetic dyes were introduced to the coastal regions of the East, and eventually reached the nomadic people weaving the Persian rugs. Synthetic aniline dyes were more eco nomical, and allowed carpet weavers to speed up and meet an increasing demand for production.

In 1903 the Persian king banned the use of all synthetic aniline dyes because they faded with exposure to light and water. In the 1920’s the first modern synthetic chrome dyes were developed, and most weaving of Persian rugs today uses stable chrome synthetic dyes. However, natural dyes are still used in the manufacture of Persian rugs in villages where there is access to the sources of the colours.

We at Karel Weijand are happy to answer any queries you may have about each of the Persian rugs we have in stock. Call us on 01252 726215, e-mail us at carpets@karelweijand.com or visit our showroom today.