Colour has always played a significant role in cultures across Asia and the world. It has been fundamental in our clothing, our furnishing and has symbolised our identities and showcased traditions.
Naturally sourced dyes have been discovered by different cultures for centuries and derived from diverse sources, from plants and animals to spices and minerals. In Asia, turmeric (Curcuma longa) was a popular yellow dye used in Southeast Asia, Indochina and Southern China particularly in the 17th and 19th centuries. The dye takes easily to most textiles as a tint.
In Qing dynasty China (1616–1912), more than 10 kinds of naturally sourced dyes were used to dye textiles. Those frequently used were safflower,
