GREEN (SABZ)
First Technique:
The first technique is described in Resāleh-ye Joharrieh (837 AH/1433 A.D.) mixing blue indigo (kabud) and yellow safflower (zardāb) to obtain green dye.
رنگ سبز، قدری کبودی و اندکی زردآب با هم بیامیزد و صاف سازد و کاغذ بدان رنگ کند، و خشک سازد؛ و باز رنگ کند
To obtain green, mix a quantity of indigo blue with a little yellow safflower dye. Filter the mixture, dye the paper, let it dry, and repeat the process.
In 16th century source in Golzār-e Ṣafā, the first technique mixing safflower yellow and blue indigo (kabudak) to obtain green are described. Ali Seyrafi in Golzār-e Ṣafā (950 A.H./1543 A.D.), highlights the green paper colour suits for calligraphy and mentions the proportions of the ingredients, blue indigo and yellow safflower, depends on the desire of the dyer:
از پي زيب خط و حسن كتاب رنگ سبز است بسي خوش درياب
قدري رنگ كبودك بستان پس به زرد آن معصفر برسان
اصلش اينست تو هستي مختار خواه ازين خواه از آن كن بسيار
رنگ كن هست همينش اوصاف بگذارش كه شود آنگه صاف
In the beauty of lines and the grace of the script's design,
Emerges a green hue, a pleasure to align.
A touch of indigo, cultivate that shade,
Then with yellow safflower, let the colors cascade.
The essence lies in choice, you're the one in command,
Whether from this or that, create a vision so grand.
Let it unfold, smooth and refined,
Color it with essence, in this, true beauty you'll find.Top of Form
Second Technique:
The second technique is introduced in another 15th century source, Resāleh Dar Bayān-e Kāğaḏ Morakkab va Ḥall-e Alvān (15th century), mixing blue indigo (kabudak) and yellow safflower and specifically recommended to add saffron to the mixture, to obtain more desirable colour:
رنگ سبز- قدری کبودک و اندکی زردآب با هم بیامیزد و صاف سازد و کاغذ بدان رنگ کند، و اگر زعفران زیادت کند بهتر است
For the green color, mix a bit of blue indigo (kabudak) and a small amount of yellow safflower dye together, filter the mixture, and dye the paper with it. It is better to add a little more saffron for an enhanced result.
Note: Whether the term kabudak may refer to turnsole is under investigation.
Technique 1
Experiment - First Technique: Begin by extracting the yellow component of safflower by soaking it in water to obtain yellow safflower dye. In another glass container, prepare indigo dye. Gradually pour yellow safflower into the indigo dye until a green color is achieved. The proportions of the mixture of blue indigo and yellow safflower can be varied from yellowish to bluish-green. Dip the paper in the mixture for an hour. The duration of the dyeing bath can also be varied to obtain a deeper or lighter
Technique 2
Experiment - Second Technique: Prepare saffron dye. Add saffron gradually, drop by drop, to the mixture of yellow safflower and blue indigo until you get the desired green shade of color. Dip the paper in the mixture, take it out, and let it dry.