Seedhead Of Chinese Woad
by Dr Jeremy Burgess/science Photo Library
Title
Seedhead Of Chinese Woad
Artist
Dr Jeremy Burgess/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Part of a mature seed-bearing raceme of Chinese Woad, Isatis indigotica, a member of the Cruciferae ( cabbage ) family. Woad ( in Europe, I. tinctoria ) has been a source of blue dye for thousands of years. Traditionally, the dye was made by soaking chopped up plant material to soften the tissue, then fermenting the mass in vats, followed by treatment with urine. This produces the soluble form of the dye - ??white indigo?. Cotton, wool and silk treated with white indigo in solution turn blue on exposure to air. The most familiar use of indigo today is to dye denim for jeans. Due to the polluting nature of chemical synthesis of indigo, the use of Isatis spp. to produce the dye is increasing.
Uploaded
September 21st, 2018
Embed
Share
Similar Images
Comments
There are no comments for Seedhead Of Chinese Woad. Click here to post the first comment.
Recently Viewed
