indigo ball; ball of fermented indigo leaves
Traditional Japanese dye material made from dried, ground, and fermented leaves of the dyer's knotweed (Polygonum tinctorium). Used in indigo dyeing.
Dissolve the indigo ball in water to make the dye solution.
Compound of 藍 (ai, 'indigo') and 玉 (tama, 'ball'), referring to the ball-shaped form of the processed indigo leaves.