Colorant Collection

Science. Textile manufacturing. Boiler for the production of aniline (organic compound used in dyeing)
3434762 Science. Textile manufacturing. Boiler for the production of aniline (organic compound used in dyeing. Engraving in: Grands hommes et grands faits de l'industrie, France)

Pink flowered achiote (Bixa orellana)
5856607 Pink flowered achiote (Bixa orellana); (add.info.: Pink flowered achiote (Bixa orellana) with seed pod and seeds. Food dye and additive

Saffron crocus, Crocus sativus
5856771 Saffron crocus, Crocus sativus by Sowerby, James (1757-1822); (add.info.: Leaves, purple flowers and yellow antherae of the Saffron crocus, Crocus sativus)

Achiote and saffron crocus
Achiote, Bixa orellana, and saffron crocus, Crocus sativus. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuchs Bilderbuch fur Kinder (Picture Book for Children), Weimar, 1795

Turmeric powder, SEM
Turmeric powder, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Turmeric is a deep yellow spice made from the dried and ground rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Advert for Ch. Lalanne hair dye 1912
Oh, what a shock for the man in your life, when your first grey hair appears! Ah, but thanks to Lalannes wonderful colorant, he need never know the awful truth.. 1912

Fustic botanical engraving 1857
A History of the Vegetable Kingdom by Wlliiam Rhind 1855

Logwood botanical engraving 1857
A History of the Vegetable Kingdom by Wlliiam Rhind 1855

Saffron botanical engraving 1857
A History of the Vegetable Kingdom by Wlliiam Rhind 1855

Woad botanical engraving 1857
A History of the Vegetable Kingdom by Wlliiam Rhind 1855

Weld botanical engraving 1857
A History of the Vegetable Kingdom by Wlliiam Rhind 1855

Safflower botanical engraving 1857
A History of the Vegetable Kingdom by Wlliiam Rhind 1855

Paprika, SEM
Paprika, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Paprika is a spice made from dried and ground red bell peppers (Capsicum annuum). It is used for seasoning and colouring in many cuisines

Dried annatto seeds
Dried anatto seeds. These are the seeds of the annatto plant, Bixa orellana, which are used in herbal medicine. The plant is widely cultivated in tropical regions

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"Unveiling the Vibrant World of Colorants: From Ancient Art to Modern Science" Color has always held a mesmerizing power over humanity, captivating our senses and evoking emotions. One such enchanting colorant that has stood the test of time is saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), a delicate flower whose vibrant red-orange stigmas have been used for centuries to dye fabrics and add flavor to culinary delights. Travel back in time to the Paintings Hall of Pech-Merle Cave in France, dating back to 2500-2000BC, where ancient artists skillfully incorporated natural pigments derived from plants like achiote and saffron crocus into their breathtaking cave paintings. These early masterpieces not only showcased artistic brilliance but also highlighted the significance of colorants in human history. Fast forward to 1912 when an advertisement for Ch. Lalanne hair dye caught people's attention, promising luscious locks with its innovative coloring formula. This marked a turning point as synthetic colorants began making their way into everyday life, revolutionizing the beauty industry. But let us not forget nature's own palette. Turmeric powder reveals its golden hues under the scanning electron microscope (SEM), reminding us that even humble spices hold hidden treasures within them. Meanwhile, botanical engravings from 1857 showcase other remarkable sources of colorants - fustic, logwood, saffron, woad, weld, and safflower - each possessing unique properties that were harnessed by artisans throughout history. Lastly, we delve into paprika's fiery red allure under SEM examination – a testament to how science continues unraveling nature's secrets and expanding our understanding of colorants. From ancient times to modern discoveries, this captivating journey through various facets of colorants reminds us that these substances are more than just dyes; they are gateways into cultural heritage and scientific exploration.