i decided to do some research into kimono colours after finishing some drafts on illustrator. the first one that i did was in blue and the second in red, however i want to use the colour red for the Chinese postcard, so i want to decide on a different colour for the Japan one, but i need to know if certain colours have certain meanings.
Red and White are auspicious colors (good luck). You will find the two colors used for many special occasions,
such as weddings, and births
I've decided to change from the Red theme that i had.
Blue and White are also prominent colors in Japanese fabrics and dishware. Yukata is a blue and white cotton fabric
used to make summer kimonos called "yukata"
I am considering going with a blue theme, but i need something that will match my pink cherry blossoms.
This is one list of colours from a traditional school of Japanese etiquette. ( Note - Japanese culture is closely
linked with the seasons, so each month is also represented by a nature reference.)
January Pine: sprout green and deep purple
February Redblossom plum: crimson and purple
March Peach: peach and khaki
April Cherry: white and burgundy
May Orange Flower: deadleaf yellow and purple
June Artemesia: sprout green and yellow
July Lily: red and deadleaf yellow
August Cicada wing: cedar bark and sky blue
September Aster: lavender and burgundy
October Bush Clover: rose and slate blue
November Maple: vermilion and grey-green
December Chrysanthemum: lavender and deep blue
Kimono
Ao (blue-green) - corresponds most closely to turquoise-green
Moegi (sprout-green) - could also be called grass-green or apple-green
Kurenai (scarlet-pink) - a bright, slightly yellow-toned pink produced from the benibana, safflower, an herbal
dye source. The closest thing to red in the fashion palette, since truer red, “Ake” was primarily used to indicate rank.
Kobai (plum-pink) - a light red with a purple cast.
Suo (maroon) - another red, wandering in tone from purple to brown to orange. It is the name of the tree
(sappanwood) from which the dye comes.
Ki (yellow) - the purest yellow
Kuchiba (old-leaf tan) - described as dead-leaf yellow. (lit. rotted leaves). If it were a bit brighter it would approach
mustard.
Yamabuki (golden yellow) - a tree-shrub, the Kerria japonica with a roseate yellow blossom. A golden yellow like
that of the common freesia.
Murasaki (purple) from the root of the gromwell, difficult to work with and restricted for the use of those of
high rank. A fragile colour, tended to fade. A range of purples included shades called fuji (wisteria), keshi murasaki
(a greyed mauve), ebi (red-violet), koki (deep violet) and usuki (pale violet).
Generalized Color Meanings
Yellow - In the Far East, a sacred color; but it the West it can mean treachery.
Red - Passion; gets the blood flowing more intensely.
Orange - Represents knowledge and civilization.
Violet - Stately and royal
Blue - Cool, passive, and also symbolizes fidelity (as in true blue)
Green - Restful and fresh
White - Purity and truth
Black - Gloom, sorrow and depresssion.
After doing this research it will really help with deciding the colours for my piece, and making sure that i stay true to the traditional Japanese culture.
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