Photo: Ryutaro Tsukata

What is the color of royalty in Japan?

galeriemagazine.com - What the Color of Your Kimono Says About You - Galerie Magazine

What is the most pure love?

The purest form of love is selflessness. Jul 23, 2016

Last updated Jan 27, 2022

What makes a dad attractive?

“The sexy dad is absolutely a thing, for most but not all women,” psychiatrist Reef Karim told Fatherly. “He reveals his tender side, is empathic,...

Last updated Jun 19, 2020

Do you really know who the “One” is? Your true Soulmate?

Promotion

When we break the word “kimono” into two parts, we’re left with ki, meaning “wear,” and mono, meaning “thing.” A kimono, then, is a “thing to wear,” a matter-of-fact translation for a symbolic garment, loaded with a complex, extensive history and frequently associated with politeness and formality. The silken, long-sleeved robes are admired the world over for their beautiful prints and vibrant colors—flashy geranium reds, vibrant fuchsia pinks, and deep salvia blues. Despite their popularity around the world, there are cultural sensitivities regarding who can and should wear the outfits. In fact, a set of rules, called kitsuke, govern how kimonos and yukatas—the kimono’s casual counterpart—should always be worn. When unpacking the question of cultural appropriation versus appreciation, it’s important to examine the traditions and symbolism behind the garment’s famous array of colors. Enter Kimono and the Colors of Japan, from Japanese publisher PIE International. Originally published in 2005, an updated edition was released last month that explores the cultural and historical significance of the colors of kimonos and obis, or sashes, through the lens of a rare antique collection. Written by noted Tokyo-based stylist Katsumi Yumioka, who began his career in the fashion industry, participating in such high-profile shows as Christian Dior, the book explores what the author calls “Japanese Kokoro no Iro,” or “colors of the Japanese heart,” presenting an image of what Japanese people understand individual colors to express or symbolize. See below for a crash course on the meaning behind five kimono colors.

Hana asagi (Blue)

Blue evokes elements of the natural world: the sky and the ocean. The name for this particular shade of blue denotes a pale green-blue enhanced by flowers, pointing to the process through which it is achieved. Developed towards the end of the Edo period, the dye is mixed with juices squeezed from blue dayflowers. In Japan, pink is a color associated with springtime. However, because the price of the plant used to create pink dyes was historically high, lighter shades and peaches were more common, as dyers diluted the base materials. Named for its resemblance to the peach blossom, this fuchsia hue—pale with a hint of yellow—is realized through a combination of plum vinegar and reduced safflower dye.

Shōjōhi (Red)

Known as a sacred color, red represents life’s vitals: the dawn, fire, and blood. Taking its name from a mythological ape-like sea spirit with a red face and a taste for wine, this vivid vermillion is derived from the cacti-chomping cochineal bug. The same pigment is still used in many of today’s makeups and food coloring.

Koki-murasaki (Purple)

Since ancient times purple has been a color of royalty in many parts of the world, and Japan is no different. This shade of deep purple, tinged with black, is created through a blend of purple dye with vinegar and lye. It was reserved for the kimonos worn by Japan’s highest-ranking individuals and denied to lower classes.

Kihada (Green-Yellow)

The pigment behind this shade of bright greenish-yellow is created from a liquid extracted from the inner-bark of mandarin orange trees, then combined with lye to produce a tint. The extract was also an effective insect repellant and frequently used to dye paper scrolls, enhancing the look of ink. The hue connotes the harvest season and is regarded as a noble color.

How can you tell if you married your soulmate?

You might define it another way, but one thing's for sure - your soul mate loves you, and you love them. Soul mates are empathetic and can relate...

Last updated Apr 12, 2020

How does a man act when loves a woman?

When he's falling in love, everything is likely to become about her. He can't stop thinking about her and would rather be spending time with her...

Last updated Apr 24, 2022

Promotion

What does blue string mean?

French Blue like the Blue Ocean string jewelry as the most profound in the shades of blue, expresses confidence and honesty.

en.redline-boutique.com - Color guide | RedLine Blog

Diamond on a red string… what makes you thrill among the red strings?

Is it a diamond on a red string bracelet, red string necklace with a diamond, or a diamond ring in a red string?

Each country, every culture and the different periods of time have their own representation, symbol, and meaning of colors. Though red is prominently known as one of the most fascinating and emblematic color; carrier of energy and ardor. Red brings emotion to life, evokes sensuality and kindles passion. This blazing color embodies love and devotion.

Dynamic, vivid and powerful, red protrudes as energetic, warm, and penetrating color.

RedLine has made red its emblem and iconic color since its foundation. The French house pays great attention and special care to its symbolic color, to offer you the most pigmented red that will sure to fascinate. Get the essential Classic Red of the brand or go for a lighter, fruity glow of the Cherry Red. Be playful with the Fluorescent Red or admire Poppy Red with its lively and dynamic color.

Explore shades of Red in the RedLine string collection:

RedLine ushers in finding your ideal necklace, bracelet or ring in red string.

What does true intimacy feel like?

Intimacy is the feeling of closeness and belonging we have in our personal relationships. It is a familiar and very close emotional connection with...

Last updated Mar 12, 2022

How late should a 13 year old stay up?

That said: “9pm is a sensible approach.” For teenagers, Kelley says that, generally speaking, 13- to 16-year-olds should be in bed by 11.30pm. Dec...

Last updated Sep 21, 2020

Promotion

What age do relationships get serious?

That's in part because statistically speaking, most people have their first experience with a boyfriend or girlfriend as teenagers, with one 2004...

Last updated Jun 15, 2018

Promotion

How do we know when God is speaking to us?

This can happen through prayer, contemplation and/or time in the Bible. We begin to discern God's voice over the noise of our world as we give time...

Last updated Mar 6, 2021