What is the traditional Japanese color "Mizo-nezumi"?
A slightly darker shade of gray than plain gray, Mizo-nezumi is a traditional color derived from the fur color of mice that live in sewers and other places. It corresponds to the darker "ko" shade of the "Five Colors of Ink," which divides ink into five shades. It appears in the mid-Edo period dye sample book "Yoshii Tokichi Dye Sample Book," indicating that it was already in common use at that time. Because it lacks a bit of vibrancy, it is not considered a flashy or beautiful color, but it has been widely loved as a color for suits favored by Japanese people. Its understated and subdued hue can also be said to evoke a sense of formality and solidity.
Sewer rat = Ditch rat
It is originally written as "Mizonezumi", but to avoid the impression that the character "Mizo" gives, it is sometimes written as "Donnezumi". "Mizonezumi" is pronounced dobu-nezumi.
DIC Traditional Japanese Colors: R79G79B72 #4F4F48 / Sewer Mouse
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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