The pastel plant “Isatis Tinctoria” – in English called “woad” – is a plant that, right back to the Middle Ages, had many properties and was used for everything from the fabric wrapping of mummies to medicinal and healing purposes.
In the 16th century, the plant was found in the south-western Occitanie region of France and contributed to local merchants and thus Tolouse becoming one of France’s wealthiest cities with huge mansions, castles and churches.
Of mansions built on the basis of riches from “Isatis Tinctoria” pastel extraction, one can still see the Hôtel d’Assézat in Toulouse today.
The extraction of the blue pigment takes place by the leaves being harvested, crushed and transformed into a kind of paste, which is left to ferment for several weeks.
Subsequently, the “pasta” is shaped into balls, called “Cocagnes” and left to dry in the sun for 4 months. During this time, the balls (Cocagnes) shrink to half their size, become hard and brown-black.