What is the traditional Japanese color "Naniwa-nezumi"?
The color Naniwa-nezumi (Naniwa Mouse) originates from the old name of Osaka, Naniwa. In contrast to the image of Osaka as a bustling city of merchants, the color is pale and subdued, with a faint reddish tint. In the Edo period, a painting by Kitao Shigemasa titled "Geisha and Box Maker" depicts a geisha with a fashionable hairstyle wearing a Naniwa-nezumi kimono, walking with an attendant carrying a shamisen box.
Naniwa Nezu = Naniwa Nezu
Osaka is a place where cotton culture is deeply rooted, and Naniwa-nezumi (a type of gray) blended well with cotton kimonos. Its ease of incorporating into everyday wear is also a reason for its popularity. "Naniwa-nezumi" is pronounced "naniwa-nezu".
DIC Traditional Japanese Colors: C19 M29 Y22 K0 / R207 G181 B199 / Naniwa-nezumi (a type of gray)
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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