Abstract: This review was based on the study of historic literature and cultural relics related to ancient Chinese textile dyeing technology. From the perspective of fiber material, physical and chemical properties and chemical composition, the basic properties of natural dyes were analyzed. Furthermore, the environmentfriendly properties of the natural dyes were discussed. Some novel dyeing technologies based on the natural dyes were also introduced.

Key words: natural dye; dyeing technology; textile history; phytochemistry