Vegetable Dyes: Traditional Coloring Methods for Traditional Rugs

Vegetable Dyes are just what you'd think they are: coloring products that originate from certain plants, and are devoid of synthetic materials and techniques. You might wonder why one would prefer to use vegetable based coloring products when there are also great synthetic ones that are more durable and cost effective. The answer to this question is an interesting one. The usage of synthetic dyes simply provides too many colors for the weaver to use. A traditional weaver was limited in color choice by the selection of plants that could be used to create different dyes at the time. This resulted in all classic rugs existing within the same general color palette. This palette is one of the things that makes up the identity of the oriental rug.

This Hamadan has been dyed with Vegetable Dyes

Vegetable dyes are collected from plants, such as from the roots of trees, sage, and walnuts. Chemical dyes are synthesized in a factory. That's not to say that chemical dyes are bad. In fact, that's far from the truth. Are there places for chemical dyes? Definitely. Chemical dyes are used in clothing, as well as in many more modern rug designs. Most people, however, agree that it is best for hand woven rugs to continue using vegetable dyes. The limitations and challenges associated with using natural materials are part of the art that is rug weaving. In the same way that one may prefer a hand painted version of a masterpiece to one that has been reproduced, vegetable dyed rugs are generally preferred.