Color palette analysis of two samples of Baluch rugs using a reflectance spectroscopy

The element of color and the harmony of colors used in a hand-woven can give it a unique personality and increase its artistic value. One of the well-known regions of Iran, as its residents are well-acquainted with this knowledge, is the beautiful province of Baluchistan; Because by using a limited number of colors (maximum of 6 to 8 colors) in the designs and patterns of their hand-woven, they give a new spirit to them every time. Although some studies have focused on the topic of studying and recognizing the colors in Sistan and Baluchistan hand-woven; however, it seems necessary to use a precise laboratory tool to identify the color palette of these hand-woven. The present study assessed the color palettes in two Baluch rugs with the largest number of colors using a reflectance spectroscopy, which is a non-destructive identification method. By this analysis, parameters such as Lightness (L*), Chroma (C), Color angle (h˚), and Color difference (∆E) of each color were calculated at different points (10 points). The results show that natural dyes, treatment method, and used conditions (temperature, time, and washing method) in the traditional dyeing process can be effective on the mentioned color parameters. In addition, the color changes for the dominant colors in the rugs are imperceptible, which indicates their stability against environmental factors (light, moisture, and abrasion). This result indicates the inherent knowledge of the Baluch people about the color science that the artistic weavers have learned by looking at the geographical climate around their living environment.