What is the traditional Japanese color "ancient purple"?
Ancient purple is a color derived from the purple that was highly valued during the Nara and Heian periods when the capital was located in Japan. However, it is not the actual purple used in ancient times, but rather a color that follows the tradition of Kyoto's purple dyeing, and is said to be close to Kyoto purple. In the early 11th century, during the reign of Emperor Ichijo, the color of formal attire worn by high-ranking people was set at black, and purple disappeared from public view. Nevertheless, purple was passed down to the dyeing industry in the early modern period and remains today as ancient purple.
Ancient purple = kodaimurasaki
Because dyeing purple is time-consuming and labor-intensive, it has long been considered a special color. The name "ancient purple" itself reflects its importance. "Ancient purple" is pronounced "kodai-murasaki."
DIC Traditional Japanese Colors: C60 M72 Y30 K0 / R102 G71 B179 / Ancient Purple (Kodai Murasaki)
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.
Experiences
Premium Calendar
Learn about Japan's traditional colors
Premium Calendar
