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Learn about Japan's traditional colors

2024.12.26

Can you read it? The traditional Japanese color "Shotan-iro" is not pronounced "Shotan-iro"










What is the traditional Japanese color "Keshi-iro"?




Keshikoiro is a dark gray color with a slight purple tint. Keshikoiro refers to soft charcoal made by putting out a fire of firewood or charcoal halfway through, and is not as deep a black color as sumi ink. Since the name Keshikoiro cannot be found in old dyeing materials, it is speculated that it is a color name that was created after the Meiji period. In Natsume Soseki's "Akibi Shohin" (42), there is a passage that says, "Only one leaf of green can be seen in the middle of the body, left behind in the keshikoiro color," so it is thought that the color began to be used during this period.





Charcoal color = Keshizumiiro

 

Because "keshizumi" catches fire easily, it is sometimes used as a slang term for "an angry or short-tempered person." "Keshizumi-iro" is pronounced "keshizumi-iro."







R67 G67 B67 #434343/Charcoal color




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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