This piece dyeing machine is used to dye patterns and fabrics in small amounts. The textiles absorb the dyes from the diluted dye solution ("dyebath"). For centuries dyeing with natural substances was the only means of improving textiles. Dyes were rare, rich colors were extravagant and costly and only available to the privileged: cardinal red, royal blue! It was not until synthetic dyes were introduced that an inexhaustible palette of colors unfolded.