indigo dyeing
indigo dyeing
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The material for indigo dyeing-
The material for indigo dyeing-
Strobilanthes cusia
Strobilanthes cusia
Strobilanthes cusia, commonly known as "ma lan" in Chinese with deep green leaves surrounded by a blue tint along the veins, can grow to a height of over one meter. The plant's bluish-purple flowers thrive in cool and humid environments and are often found at the floor stratum or at the forest edge, making it a shade-tolerant species that utilize the understory effectively.
Introduced to Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty from China, ma lan was cultivated to meet the local demand for dyeing. In Sanxia, the dyeing industry flourished in the early years, benefiting from the high-quality water of the Sanxia River suitable for dye preparation and fabric rinsing, as well as facilitating transportation. This advantageous environment led to the proliferation of dyeing workshops in the streets, establishing Sanxia as a crucial hub for the dyeing industry.
the history of indigo DYEING
the history of indigo DYEING
From 1711 to 1799, during the Qianlong Emperor period, our ancestors from Quanzhou, Fujian, developed land in Sanxia and discovered that the environment was highly suitable for cultivating the natural dye plant, Strobilanthes cusia. The neighboring areas of the Sanxia River provided the high-quality water necessary for dyeing fabrics, with the river. Additionally, the convenient water route of the Tamsui River helped the transportation of fabrics from downstream ports for dyeing in this region. Subsequently, the dyed fabrics could be easily transported downstream to Menga (modern-day Wanhua) and then extensively sold to important commercial centers such as Xiamen, Zhangzhou, Foochow, and Shanghai.
However, with industrial development, the advent of synthetic fibers, and the change of customs, the art of indigo dyeing gradually declined and indigo dyeing in Sanxia became part of history. In recent years, the local government has worked hard to promote the art of indigo dyeing by establishing a park, where traditional skills and modern designs are combined to breathe new life into contemporary indigo dyeing. This effort not only preserves traditional culture but also gives vitality to the local community, allowing indigo dyeing to find new value and meaning in modern society.
STEPS
Pattern Creation :
Various techniques are employed to design patterns on fabric, such as tying and wax application.
Soaking :
Before dyeing, the fabric is immersed in water.
Repeated Dyeing and Oxidation :
The fabric is put in the dye vat, and agitated for two minutes to ensure thorough color penetration. Then the fabric is removed for oxidation. This process is repeated to achieve a deeper blue hue.
Rinsing :
The dyed fabric is washed with clear water until the dye transforms from deep green to deep blue, and the squeezed-out water is transparent.
drying :
drying :
The dyed fabric is hung in a shaded area to air-dry
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