weld (dye)
- Scope note
- Bright yellow natural dyestuff extracted from the flowers, leaves and stems of the dyer's rocket plant, Reseda luteola. Weld has been used since Roman times and was widely cultivated in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was the most popular yellow dye until it was replaced by quercitron, made from oak bark, in the 18th century, and then by synthetic dyes in the 19th century. The primary coloring matter in weld is luteolin, which is extracted in a hot alkaline solution made with boiling water and potash. Depending on the mordant, weld produces colors ranging from bright yellow (using tin) to gold (using aluminum) to green (using iron). Although weld has the best lightfastness of any natural yellow, it still is not permanent. Weld was used to dye wool and silk, stain wood, and make lake pigments used in miniature paintings.
- Date of creation: 18-Nov-2024
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024