ScarletScarlet

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Learn about Japan's traditional colors

2024.8.19

Can you read it? The traditional Japanese color "hi" is not pronounced "hi"










The traditional Japanese color "scarlet"




Scarlet is a vibrant red with a yellowish tinge. It is dyed with madder, a perennial vine from the Rubiaceae family, and lye. From the middle of the Heian period, dyeing methods were established, and instead of madder, the yellow of gardenia was used as the base dye, and the red of sappan was layered with alum mordant to create a crimson color, which came to be called "hi." Scarlet is reminiscent of the color of the sun and fire, and the color name also carries the meaning of maintaining strong vitality.





Scarlet = Ake

 

The striking, vivid red of scarlet was the second most important color after purple during the reign of Empress Suiko.







R204 G84 B58 #CC543A/Ake




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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