Kuroake (black and scarlet)Kuroake (black and scarlet)

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Learn about Japan's traditional colors

2024.12.24

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










What is the traditional Japanese color "Kurohi"?




Kurohi is a deep purple-tinged red color that is dyed with madder and then over-dyed with safflower root. Generally, safflower is dyed only with madder, but Kurohi is a color that is dyed using a very time-consuming dyeing method in which madder is overlaid with safflower root to get closer to purple. According to the Engishiki, "One piece of deep safflower, 24 jin of madder, and 18 jin of safflower," which means that XNUMX jin (about XNUMX kilograms) of safflower root are used for XNUMX jin (about XNUMX kilograms) of madder, making it a very dark color.





Black and Scarlet

 

Since the Asuka period, darker colors have been considered to be of higher rank, and black scarlet has also been used as a color that represents nobility. "Kuro-ake" is pronounced "kuroake."







R134 G71 B63 #86473F / Kuroake




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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