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Learn about Japan's traditional colors

2023.9.30

Can you read? Is Japan's traditional color "yellow tan" here? Not. This is one color that is absolutely forbidden.













Yellow tan, which was introduced from China, is a top-class color that is only allowed to the imperial princes and members of the imperial family. It is a bright reddish-orange color dyed with safflower and gardenia, and was designated as the official clothing color for the Crown Prince in the second year of the Yoro era. It is a ``absolutely prohibited color'' that cannot be used by the general public, and is said to represent the color of the sun, which signifies the status of the crown prince. It is sometimes read as "Otan" as another name.





yellow tan = sea urchin

 

 

According to the Engishiki, a legal code from the Heian period, the color is said to have a strong black tone and is created through a labor-intensive dyeing process in which 30 lbs of purple root are added to 40 lbs of madder. ``Shinhi'' is read by Kokihito.







DIC-N737/Ouni




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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