Dyes in Rugs:
One of the most outstanding characteristics of Persian rugs is the wonderful range of colors used to create designs. The dyeing of the wool is a delicate process that varies according to the dyes used to create the desired color. The intricate process requires great skill, and making these luxurious rugs is not an easy task.

The master dyer becomes the true artisan in the village and his skills are passed down through the generations.

Preparing the wool is an intricate predying process. The wool is sheared, cleaned, spun, then cleaned again so the dye can penetrate the fiber. The skeins of wool are then submerged into the boiling dye bath and carefully stirred for uniformity. Once dry, it is ready for weaving.

The most desired antique Persian rugs contain natural dyes which were very prominent prior to 1930. Aniline (synthetic) dyes were introduced in the late nineteenth century. The colors not only faded when exposed to sunlight, but ran when washed. The Persian government passed laws in the 1890s prohibiting their importation and use.

In the 1930s chrome dyes were introduced which do not fade in sunlight and do not impair the wearing qualities of the rug. These are still used today. In our rug descriptions when we refer to a rug as being a "semi-antique," it is generally made with chrome dyes. The major complaint of chrome dyes has been that the colors are harsher than the mellow hue of natural dyes.

Old natural dyed rugs are quite special with their beautiful variety of colors. These old rugs in good condition, and at reasonable prices are becoming more of a challenge to find.

Some of the most beautiful colors are obtained from natural dyes. Indigo was the source for blue: the source yields all shades. Blue dye is produced by fermation of indigo plant blossoms. After approximately one week in fermention, the solution turns amber in color. When wool is soaked in the solution and dried in the open air, the wool turns blue.

Green is produced by mixing saffron with indigo. Saffron, pear leaves, almonds, and buckhorn berries produce different shades of yellow.

The most common dye made from plants was madder, which creates a red color and is quite prevalent in old rugs. Black is obtained by submerging previously dyed brown in indigo.

Cochineal is a small insect. When the female is roasted and pulverized, the resulting powder produces hues of violet red. Many colors in the purple range resulted combining a red and indigo.

It is difficult to emphasize the importance of finding an old rug with soft, mellow, natural dyed hues in good condition. There are only a finite number of these treasures left.