Sumizome (Ink dyeing)Sumizome (Ink dyeing)

Experiences

Premium Calendar

Learn about Japan's traditional colors

2025.1.30

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










What is the traditional Japanese color "Sumizome"?




Ink dyeing is a gentle gray-black color that is almost black but slightly lighter. This color is considered to be close to the black color that corresponds to "burnt" among the five colors of ink. Ink is also used in calligraphy and painting, and is made by kneading high-quality soot made by burning pine roots and rapeseed oil with glue (gelatin) and adding fragrance to solidify it. In ancient China, pine soot was used, which gave the color a bluish black, but in Japan, rapeseed soot is used and it is said that a reddish black is achieved by mixing it with safflower.





Sumizome = Sumizome

 

In the past, it was used as the color for monks' robes and mourning clothes, but in the early modern period, when black and grey became fashionable, it became a popular color among the common people as a stylish color.







R8 G8 B8 #080808/Sumizome




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

Experiences

Premium Calendar

Learn about Japan's traditional colors

Premium Calendar

scroll top