Japanese Culture's Hueful Symbology: Exploring the Meaning Behind Colors
The rich and vibrant world of traditional Japanese colors, known as dentōshoku, is on display at the Gallery, Level 2, from 12.11.2021 (Sat.) to 03.06.2022 (Sun.). This exhibition offers a fascinating exploration of the flexibility of the Japanese language and its descriptive terms for colours, as well as insights into the historical significance of certain hues in Japanese culture.
Traditional Japanese colors often have poetic names and cultural significance. A commonly referenced comprehensive list includes many such colors traditionally used in kimono dyeing, painting, and crafts. Here are some well-known traditional Japanese colors (dentōshoku) with their approximate English translations and color descriptions:
Reds and Pinks
- Aka (赤) – Red
- Beni (紅) – Crimson red
- Kurenai (紅) – Deep crimson
- Sangoshō (珊瑚礁) – Coral
- Kobai (紅梅) – Plum blossom pink
- Momoiro (桃色) – Peach pink
- Shuiro (朱色) – Vermilion
- Benihi (紅緋) – Scarlet
Purples
- Murasaki (紫) – Purple
- Fuji (藤色) – Wisteria purple
- Sumire (菫色) – Violet
- Kikyou (桔梗色) – Bellflower purple
- Sumi (墨) – Ink black/purple
Blues and Greens
- Aoi (青) – Blue
- Kon (紺) – Navy blue
- Sora (空色) – Sky blue
- Asagi (浅葱) – Light blue-green, pale cyan
- Mizuiro (水色) – Water blue (light blue)
- Midori (緑) – Green
- Moegi (萌黄) – Light yellow-green (sprout green)
- Yamabuki (山吹色) – Golden yellow (a yellow-orange named after the Japanese kerria flower)
- Rikyu (利休茶) – Moss green
Yellows and Oranges
- Kiiro (黄色) – Yellow
- Karashi (辛子色) – Mustard
- Touki (陶器色) – Pottery color (soft yellow-orange)
- Yamabuki (山吹色) – Deep yellow/golden yellow
Browns and Earth Tones
- Kogecha (焦げ茶) – Burnt tea (dark brown)
- Chairo (茶色) – Brown
- Kuri (栗色) – Chestnut
- Tobiiro (鳶色) – Dark brown (kite bird color)
- Tsuchi (土) – Earth color
Black, White, and Grays
- Shiro (白) – White
- Kuro (黒) – Black
- Haiiro (灰色) – Gray
- Nezumi (鼠色) – Mouse gray
- Sumikuro (炭黒) – Charcoal black
The exhibition features various combinations of the seven basic shades of dye used in traditional Japanese crafts, as well as terms like "red fallen leaves" (akakuchiba) and "simmered seaweed" (mirucha) from the list of dentōshoku. Visitors can learn about the flexibility of traditional Japanese language and its descriptive terms for colours, as well as the historical significance of certain hues in Japanese culture.
The exhibition showcases the work of artisans who make heritage crafts like ceramics, kimono, or kumihimo, such as Yusoku Kumihimo Domyo, a Tokyo-based firm that has been hand-making kumihimo since 1652. The admission to the exhibition is complimentary, making it an affordable and accessible way to immerse oneself in the rich history and culture of traditional Japanese colors.
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of dentōshoku and appreciate the beauty and significance of traditional Japanese colors. Check out the exhibition on the website for more information.
