| Most rugs that we purchase for our homes consist of | | | | called the Turmeric. The plant is a yellow flower with |
| colors made by chemical dyes however, with a | | | | an aromatic root used for spices and yellow dye. |
| handcrafted oriental rug the colors are made from | | | | Black is created by a thorny plant called logwood. This |
| natural dyes extracted from vegetables and plants | | | | plant is native to Central America and West Indies. |
| found in the area where the weaver lives. Natural rug | | | | However, it was introduced into other tropical regions |
| dyes are not mixed with any chemicals in order to get | | | | of the world. This plant creates the black color which is |
| the color that is needed. | | | | used more than any other natural dye. |
| Colors are selected to echo the colors of the world | | | | All of these plants are hand picked by the weavers |
| around us. Weavers using natural dyes go to great | | | | themselves, not by machines. It is difficult and |
| lengths to produce vibrant colors. Some colors are | | | | sometimes painful work, depending on the plants |
| difficult to create. Natural dyes give a carpet rich | | | | needed. Extracting the dyes is also hot and |
| coloring and an elegant appearance. | | | | uncomfortable work. Mixing and matching color shades |
| The art of coloring is an extremely ancient technique. | | | | is extremely exacting work, and coordinating shades |
| Listed below you will find different types of plants or | | | | between dye lots requires years of skill to master. |
| vegetables that are used for specific colors. While this | | | | Carpets containing natural dyes require special care to |
| is in no way a complete list, it is a start to get an idea | | | | preserve their beauty and vibrance. They do not |
| of where some of the most common natural dye | | | | respond well to harsh chemical cleaners. |
| colors come from. | | | | The richness of an oriental rug goes far beyond the |
| Red is created by using the root of wild madder. Wild | | | | skill of weaving it. It is created bit by bit, and |
| madder is a perennial herb that is native to | | | | tremendous work and skill goes into every facet of its |
| Mediterranean and Near East. | | | | creation. The colors and the dyes that produce the |
| Blue is created with the indigo plant. While the indigo | | | | colors are only a single layer of a complex and time |
| plant itself is not blue, the blue color occurs by an | | | | consuming process that takes a carpet from idea, to |
| oxidization of yellow juice from these plants. | | | | reality. |
| Green is created from tropical plant found in India | | | | |