curcuma
Egypt
15th Century
Source: Raggetti, L. (2016). Arabic Ink Recipes in Their Historical and Literary Context. Journal of Islamic Manuscripts, 7, 294–338.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
saffron, curcuma powder, alkali powder, water
Preparation Steps
The writing surface (leaf) must first be dyed yellow with saffron. The user then writes on this surface using curcuma powder. To reveal the color, the leaf is immersed in water containing dissolved alkali powder, which causes the writing to turn a unique shade of red (p. 330).
Original Recipe Text
The writing surface (leaf) must first be dyed yellow with saffron. The user then writes on this surface using curcuma powder. To reveal the color, the leaf is immersed in water containing dissolved alkali powder, which causes the writing to turn a unique shade of red (p. 330).
Evidence
"take the curcuma in powder and write with it on the leaf dyed in yellow that I have mentioned before. Put in the water some alkali in form of powder. When the leaf is immersed in it, its writing will turn red."
Remarks
Described as a 'singular example' in the 8th chapter of al-Zarᤖũrĩ's work, which focuses on inks and dyes (p. 330). This recipe relies on the pH sensitivity of curcumin.
Scientific Analysis
Certainty Level
Inferred
Instrumentally Verified
Not Verified
Metadata
Material Type
ink
ColorRed
RegionEgypt
Approx. Year1450
Source Information
AuthorRaggetti, L.
CollectionYemeni alum
Language
N/A
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