Aniline dye

Aniline dyes are the first synthetic dyes, developed in Europe from the 1850s from coal-tar chemistry; the rug trade uses the word for early synthetics in general. They were noted in Persian carpets by the 1870s. Many were fugitive: some faded in light, others ran when washed, so a sun-faded front over a brighter back is a classic sign. The Persian government tried to ban their import, and to confiscate rugs made with them, without success.

Also early synthetic dyes · coal-tar dyes · fuchsine · aniline fuchsia

See also Chrome dye, Natural dye, Abrash

Last reviewed November 2026