Did You Know That…?
Crimson (Vordan) Red Dye
The crimson red dye is named after the crimson worm that was widespread in the Ararat Valleyand has been
used in the Armenian Highland for over three millennia in the production of red dye. As described by the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, Armenian tradesmen exported large volumes of crimson red dye, which was called the ”royal dye” as it was used to color the kings' and princes' clothes. The dye was also used in the production of perfumes, food,
pharmaceuticals, textiles, and fine arts. Armenian carpets are famous worldwide not only for their unique weft, but also for this very dye which was used in the coloring process. Finally, the dye was also used in the adornment of numerous manuscripts which are now displayed in the Matenadaran in Yerevan.
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