TYRIAN PURPLE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19261, 27 August 1924, Page 5

TYRIAN PURPLE.

OBTAINED FROM A MEDITERRANEAN SHELLFISH,

Purple and mauve arc, in our variable climate, the most unthrifty colours which can be worn, as they quickly fade (observes a writer in John o' London’s Weekly). It was not so with the famous Tyrian purple, which, in place of fading, was deepened by exposure to the air. We can picture the Roman dandy, as he fared forth in his purple toga, knowing that the bright sunlight, instead of injuring it, would intensify its rich tints. He also knew that only the wealthy and luxurious could afford to wear the Tyrian purple owing to the expensive method of producing it. Its manufacture was a groat source of wealth to the merchants m the ancient city of Tyre, which had a world-wide celebrity for its dyeing and weaving establishments.

The colouring matter was procured from the shellfish Murex trunculus, which was found in the Mediterranean and chiefly oh the coasts of Asia Minor and Phoenicia. The quantity in each shell was very small, hence great quantities were required. The murex are noted for their bright colours and for their fantastic shapes. During excavations at Pompeii shells of this species were found, having probably been used by painters.

Fabric to bo dyed was sometimes moistened with sea water. '.the natural dye, as found in the shell, was then brushed over it two or three times, after which it was exposed to the air and sunshine. At first a faint yellow, it turned to green, then finally to deep purple, and the colour was “fast.” During the process a disagreeable cdour was usual, and clung slightly to the fabric for some time after.