yellowmaking

Yellowmaking refers to the historical process of creating yellow pigments and dyes. Historically, yellow hues were derived from a variety of natural sources. In ancient Egypt and Rome, yellow ochre, a natural clay pigment containing iron oxides, was a common source for yellow. This pigment was valued for its durability and colorfastness.

Another significant source of yellow dye was weld (Reseda luteola), a flowering plant native to Europe and western Asia. Weld was extensively used in medieval Europe for dyeing wool and silk, producing a vibrant and lasting yellow color. The process involved boiling the plant material to extract the dye.

Turmeric, a spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, also provided a rich yellow color. It was and continues to be used as a dye for textiles, particularly in South Asia. The staining properties of turmeric have also led to its use in food coloring.

The development of synthetic yellow pigments and dyes in the 19th and 20th centuries gradually replaced many of these natural sources. While natural yellowmaking processes are less prevalent in industrial production today, they hold historical significance and continue to be practiced in artisanal contexts and for specific traditional applications.