UsuakeUsuake

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Learn about Japan's traditional colors

2023.8.24

Can you read? Asahito doesn't read Asahito. During the Heian period, it was the third most noble color from the top.













During the Heian period, clothes were dyed with plants found in nature. The color is dyed with madder, an ancient Japanese red dye. In the clothing color determined by the hierarchy of the Engishiki, which can be called the foundation of the modern national system, light scarlet was considered the third highest color from the top, following purple and deep scarlet. The light red color with a slight yellow tint was dyed with madder instead of safflower. Today it is also expressed as ``hi'' or ``true scarlet''.





Asahi = Usuake

 

 

In English, it is translated as "scarlet", but scarlet is an animal color extracted from ostracods, and technically it is different from scarlet. ``Asahi'' is also called ``Usukihi'' and ``Usuake.'' It is read as Usuake.







DIC-N714/Usuake




What is “Learn about Japan’s traditional colors”?
We will also introduce beautiful traditional Japanese colors, how to read their kanji, and the background behind the colors. Let's enjoy together the Japanese sensibilities that have been passed down since ancient times.

 

 


Reference books: “Beautiful Japanese Traditional Colors” published by PIE International, “365 Days of Poons Illustrated Book” written by Reki Seikatsu and published by Genkosha

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Learn about Japan's traditional colors

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