Picture Details
Beating wheel at an indigo factory
Partner:
Kew GardensImage reference:
ceb0045Origin:
Indian SubcontinentArtist / Date:
Christopher Rawson, 1900Size:
114 x 157 mmDescription:
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Blue indigo dye is yielded from the green leaves of the plant through a process of fermentation and oxidation. Traditionally the fermentation was carried out naturally by bacteria, harvested plants were packed into tanks and covered with water. The leaves would become saturated after a few hours and then fermentation began. This generated the thick layer of bubbles and scum on the surface of the vat. The next stage in the process was oxidation. The dark blue liquid needed continuous beating for several hours to get air into the mixture. This could be done using wheels as in this image or by workers who would get into the vats to tread up and down, stirring it around.
