What is the traditional Japanese color "ginshu"?
Ginshu is a color that is brighter and has a deeper yellowish hue than natural vermilion. Unlike shinshu, which is a natural pigment, ginshu is an artificial pigment made by adding sulfur to mercury and baking it.
The history of silver vermilion is long, and it is said to have been used from the Yayoi period to the Kofun period. At that time, there was a custom of painting the inner walls of tombs with vermilion at funerals for the deceased, and painting the remains with vermilion (red ochre, which contains iron oxide) to pray for the repose of the soul and rebirth of the deceased. The red color of "vermilion" symbolizes the color of blood, and is imbued with the meaning of praying for the rebirth of life. Vermilion also contains mercury, so it is said to have had a preservative purpose.
Silver and red = Ginshu
It is still a familiar color today, and the color of the vermilion ink used in seals is made from this silver vermilion color. "Ginshu" is pronounced "ginshu."
R199 G62 B58 #C73E3A / Ginshu
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.
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Learn about Japan's traditional colors
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