Dye label depicting male laborers dyeing fabrics in a setting reminiscent of Islamic architecture. The racially stereotyped illustration evokes Persian indigo dye workers in Iran, where indigo dye was utilized for centuries. BASF began the industrial production of synthetic indigo in 1897. The decorative border includes the Badische Anilin & Soda-Fabrik (BASF) trademark insignia.

Founded in 1865, Badische Anilin & Soda-Fabrik (BASF) was once the largest chemical factory in the world. Based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, the company first concentrated on the manufacture of synthetic dyestuffs. In addition to the industrial production of synthetic indigo (1897), key breakthroughs included the discovery of indanthrene dyes (1901). Aniline dyes determined much of the firm's business. The company primarily advertised by submitting its products for awards at regional and international industry trade fairs, especially world's fairs.