Dyes in Mediaeval Europe Part One: Red and Purple Dyes

摘要

From archaeological evidence and the analysis of textile fragments we know that early dyers had many dyes at their disposal, and the skills to produce a wide range of colours. Concentrations of dyeplant residues found at various sites indicate that the use of madder for reds, woad for blues, and weld for yellows was widespread in early and mediaeval Europe. Kermes and brazilwood were also used for reds. The Imperial or Tyrian Purple dye from shellfish, famed in the ancient world, was still being produced, although on a much smaller scale, and lichens were also used in many parts of Europe to produce a vivid, if less permanent, purple colour. Tannin, from a plant source such as oak galls, used together with iron, was the common method of creating a black colour. Other dyes known to have been used include dyer's broom, heather, bog myrtle, pomegranate, Persian berries, Venetian sumac and walnut.