The dyes used in my country’s traditional folk craft persimmon dyeing come from natural resources such as plants, animals and minerals.
Plant dyes are one of the earliest dyes used, mainly including indigo, madder, safflower, cotinus, etc. The pigment components contained in these plants can combine with fibers to form a stable dyeing effect. For example, the indigo in indigo has good dyeing properties and can make fabrics appear dark blue; the alizarin in madder can make fabrics appear bright red.
Animal dyes mainly include cochineal red, mussel purple, etc. Cochineal is a red dye extracted from the body of cochineal insects, which has the characteristics of bright color and good light resistance; murex violet is a purple dye extracted from murex, which has the advantages of strong dyeing power and stable color. . The use of animal dyes in folk crafts is relatively rare, but their unique color and rarity make them treasures in works of art.
Mineral dyes mainly include cinnabar, azurite, etc. Cinnabar is a red ore containing mercury, and its red pigment has good dyeing properties and is often used in painting and dyeing cloth; azurite is a blue ore containing copper, and its blue pigment also has excellent dyeing properties. Mineral dyes are widely used in folk handicrafts, especially in painting and dyeing cloth.
Applications of traditional folk craft persimmon dyeing:
1. Textile dyeing: persimmon dyeing can be used for dyeing various natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool. By smearing persimmon juice on textiles and then processing them for a certain time and temperature, the textiles can appear in rich colors such as deep red, brown-red, purple-red, etc. Persimmon-dyed dyes are waterproof, antiseptic, and moth-proof, so persimmon-dyed textiles have a long service life.
2. Paper dyeing: Persimmon dyeing can also be used to dye paper. Applying persimmon juice to the paper, which is then dried and set, gives the paper a vibrant color. Persimmon-dyed paper is often used to produce calligraphy works, paintings and handicrafts. Because persimmon-dyed paper has unique texture and color effects, it is widely used in artistic creation.
3. Leather dyeing: Persimmon dyeing can also be used for leather dyeing. Applying persimmon juice to the surface of the leather, followed by drying and shaping, can make the leather appear deep red, brownish red and other colors. Persimmon-dyed leather has good durability and water resistance, so it is often used to make leather goods, leather shoes, and leather bags. Persimmon-dyed leather also has certain health-care functions, which can promote blood circulation and relieve muscle fatigue.