BLACK GREY ALOE (ʾUDĪ)

First Method:
The first method is described Resaleh-ye Joharrieh (15th century), Resāleh Dar Bayān-e Kāğaḏ Morakkab va Ḥall-e Alvān (15th century) and Golzār-e Ṣafa (16th century) in the same way. In Resaleh-ye Joharrieh (837 AH/1433 A.D.) and Resāleh Dar Bayān-e Kāğaḏ Morakkab va Ḥall-e Alvān both in15th century, the recipes reads as follows:

رنگ عودی، قدری رنگ لاک و رنگ کبودک را با هم ضم کنند، و کاغذ را بدان رنگ کنند. و آمیزشِ الوان، تعلٌق به ارادتِ کاتب دارد. از هر کدام زیادت کند، تغییر در لون ظاهر شود؛ تا هر کسی چه اختیار کند

To obtain greyish black aloe colour, mix some amount of red lac (lāk) and blue indigo (kabudak) dye. The ratio of each dye depends on the exact colour the artist wants to obtain. To increase the amount of each ingredient, will change its colour.

In Golzār-e Ṣafa (950 A.H./1543 A.D.), Udī dye is described in the same manner, and it is mentioned that the calligraphy is nice on it. Seyrafi also highlights that to obtain the desired colour lac and blue indigo should be mixed through experience and after dyeing process, the paper to be burnished:  

رنگ عودي از پيِ خط نكوست       خط چو عودي است از آن رو دلجوست

چو بدين رنگ كني ميل دمي           كه زني هم به سفيدي رقمي

رنگ لاك و دگر آن رنگ كبود       كه بدان عمرِ گرامي معهود

با هم از تجربهٔ خود ضم كن          يعني آن هر دو قرين هم كن

چون كني هم به طريق اوٌل           رنگ كن اوٌل و آنگه صيقل

 In lines so fine, the pen's embrace divine,
A melody of hues, in ink, entwined.

In ivory white, a tale defined,
A dance of red and blue, an art refined.

With lac and indigo, a duet so sweet,
In measured steps, their colors meet.

First, paint the canvas, a timeless feat,
Then, polish the strokes, a masterpiece to greet.

A symphony of shades, in careful rhyme,
In the dance of colors, a moment in time.

The aloe's essence, a secret to chime,
In the art of writing, a rhythm sublime[1].

Second Method:
The second method to obtain̄ colour is mentioned in Majmu ʿal-Ṣanāyeʿ (1005 A.H. /1596 A.D in16th century and it is stated that the colour will be obtained from the green (yellow safflower and indigo) mixed with gall-nut and blue vitriol (copper sulfate).

رنگ عودی سبز کاغذ را بآب زاج کبود و مازو برآرند

To attain the aloe color (ʾudī), raise the green paper with blue vitriol and gall-nut.

Note: Whether the term kabudak may refer to turnsole is under investigation.

[1] It is obvious that burnishing is done after drying but in the couplet, it has not been mentioned perhaps due to the fact that it was common practice and was very well known. Moreover, in another section Seyrafi has explained the sizing and burnishing process in detail in his book Golzār-e Ṣafā, 248-249.