What is the traditional Japanese color "Benitobi"?
Benitobiiro is a traditional color that refers to a deep reddish brown color created by adding red to the color of the black kite. The name Benitobiiro is said to come from the color of the black kite's feathers, a member of the accipitridae family that can grow to about 60 cm in length. Black kites have a black-brown back, light brown edges on their feathers, and a yellowish-brown belly. The deep reddish brown color of the black kite's belly feathers is what is thought to be the image of Benitobiiro. A similar color, black kite, is described in the Edo period dyeing technique book "Somebutsu Hiden" (1797). The color was created by under-dyeing with the bark of the yam plum tree, over-dyeing with safflower, and mordant-dying with iron or alum.
Red kite = Benitobi
The black kite's distinctive cry is "peehyororo" and it is often associated with Japanese landscapes and rural scenery, and it often appears in old tales and poetry. "Benitobi" is pronounced "benitobi".
DIC Japanese Traditional Colors: R153 G70 B57 #994639 / Benitobi
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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