What is the traditional Japanese color "Yokan-iro" (sweet bean jelly color)?
The reddish-brown color, created by repeated dyeing, has a deep, chocolate-like hue, hence the name "yokan-iro" (yokan color). It is also known as "momoshio-cha" (hundred-salt tea). The "hundred" in "momoshio" refers to the many times it is dyed, and "salt" means "to soak in dye," referring to a dark brown color achieved through repeated dyeing. In the section "Names that can be confused with tea" in the "Dyeing Treasure Record" compiled in 1811, it states that "yokan-iro refers to momoshio-cha," indicating that yokan-iro is the same color as momoshio-cha.
Yokan color = yokan-iro
Yokan is originally a Chinese dish, and it is said that when it was introduced to Japan, Zen Buddhist monks substituted red beans for meat, which led to the creation of the sweet confectionary yokan we know today. "Yokan-iro" is pronounced "yokan-iro".
DIC Traditional Japanese Colors: R114 G73 B56 #724938 / Yokan (sweet bean jelly) 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.
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