What is the traditional Japanese color "Uraha-iro"?
"Uraha-iro" (裏葉色) is a pale, whitish green, like the underside of a leaf. Leaves of plants and trees are often darker on the top and lighter on the underside, and this color name captures that natural contrast. Leaves of willow and mugwort, for example, have a dull, whitish underside, and uraha-iro reflects that impression. It has been used since the Heian period and was enjoyed in combination with brighter colors in the attire of that time. It shows the sensitivity of our ancestors who preserved the subtle changes in nature as color names.
Underside of a leaf color = urabairo
Leaves are vital organs for survival, receiving light, and their upper and lower surfaces have slightly different functions. The upper surface collects light, while the lower surface has many stomata, which allow air and moisture to enter and exit. "Ura-ba-iro" is pronounced "uraba-iro".
DIC Traditional Japanese Colors: C18 M0 Y45 K16 / R176 G214 B118 / Urabairo (backside leaf 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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Learn about Japan's traditional colors
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