What is the traditional Japanese color "Ultramarine"?
Ultramarine is a clear, deep blue color, named after the way blue particles gather together in groups. Originally it referred to the color of the mineral lapis lazuli, but because it was expensive, rock ultramarine, made from azurite, came to be used instead. It is an important pigment in Japanese painting, and together with gold leaf it creates awe-inspiring beauty in the gold and silver barrier paintings of the Momoyama period and the Rinpa folding screen paintings of the Edo period. If ultramarine is divided by particle size, the finest particles are called konjo, and even finer particles are called shirogunjo.
Ultramarine blue = Gunjo-iro
The blue of lapis lazuli is called "ultramarine" and is famous for being used as the color of the Virgin Mary's robes in medieval Europe, where it was considered a more expensive pigment than gold. "Ultramarine" is pronounced "gunjo-iro".
DIC Japanese traditional colors: R81 G168 B221 #51A8DD / Ultramarine blue
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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