Ultramarine is a deep and rich blue color that has been used for centuries in Persian rugs to create intricate and beautiful designs. Achieving a natural ultramarine color in Persian rugs requires the use of a special pigment that is derived from the semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli. Here are some of the principal sources of natural ultramarine colors in Persian rugs:
Lapis Lazuli: Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone that is ground into a fine powder and used as a pigment in natural dyes. When wool is soaked in a lapis lazuli dye bath, it can produce a deep and rich ultramarine color.
Indigo: Indigo is a plant-based dye that can produce a range of blue shades. When wool is soaked in an indigo dye bath and then treated with an acidic solution, it can produce a lighter shade of ultramarine.
Copper: Copper is a metal-based mordant used to fix dyes onto wool fibers. When wool is soaked in a solution of copper and then dyed with a plant-based dye, such as indigo, it can produce a brighter and more intense shade of ultramarine.
In conclusion, achieving a natural ultramarine color in Persian rugs requires the use of a special pigment derived from lapis lazuli, as well as careful attention to the dyeing process. Lapis lazuli provides a deep and rich color that can be combined with other natural dyes, such as indigo and copper, to create beautiful and intricate designs in Persian rugs. The use of natural dyes not only produces beautiful colors but also ensures that Persian rugs remain a sustainable and environmentally friendly art form.