What is the traditional Japanese color "Clove dye"?
A light yellow-brown with a slight blackish tinge is a traditional color known as clove dye. The dye uses the broth of cloves, which are known as a spice, and the color changes depending on the mordant method. Adding iron produces a deep brown color, while without a mordant it produces a pale yellow-red color. Because of its strong fragrance, it was classified as a type of color called koiro (fragrant colors). In the past, cloves were an expensive spice, so as a substitute, cloth lightly dyed with safflower was mixed with the yellow of gardenia to create a slightly reddish yellow color known as "kokikou" (strong fragrance).
Clove dye = Chojizome
Cloves are tropical evergreen trees in the Myrtaceae family, and the dried buds before they bloom are used as fragrance. They are treasured not only as dyes but also as medicines and spices, and are a plant deeply connected to Japanese culture. "Clove dyeing" is pronounced "chojizome."
DIC Traditional Japanese Colors: R176 G119 B54 #B07736 / Clove Dye
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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