Traditional Japanese Colours

Japan has a long tradition of naming colours after plants, dyes, birds and the seasons. These names appear in descriptions of kimono, ceramics and lacquer, and they carry associations of rank, season and taste. This glossary introduces the names you are most likely to meet.

Blues

  • Ai-iro. Indigo, the defining dye of Japanese textiles.
  • Kon-iro. Deep navy indigo.
  • Hanada-iro. A clear mid blue from indigo.
  • Asagi-iro. A pale blue green.
  • Ruri-iro. The deep blue of lapis lazuli.

Reds and pinks

  • Kurenai. A brilliant crimson from safflower.
  • Shu-iro. Vermilion, the colour of shrine gates and red lacquer.
  • Enji-iro. A deep cochineal red.
  • Sakura-iro. The palest pink of cherry blossom.
  • Kaki-iro. A persimmon orange.

Purples

  • Murasaki. Purple, dyed from the root of the gromwell plant and long reserved for high rank.
  • Fuji-iro. The soft lilac of wisteria.
  • Kikyō-iro. The blue violet of the bellflower.

Greens and yellows

  • Moegi-iro. The fresh green of spring shoots.
  • Matsuba-iro. The deep green of pine needles.
  • Uguisu-iro. The dull olive of the bush warbler.
  • Yamabuki-iro. The golden yellow of the kerria flower.
  • Kuchiba-iro. The brownish yellow of fallen leaves.

Browns and greys

When sumptuary laws of the Edo period restricted bright colours for merchants, dyers answered with a wealth of subtle browns and greys, remembered in the phrase shijūhacha hyakunezumi, forty-eight browns and a hundred greys.

  • Rikyū-nezumi. A green grey named after the tea master Sen no Rikyū.
  • Fukagawa-nezumi. A blue grey associated with the Fukagawa district of Edo.
  • Kobicha. A soft olive brown.
  • Sumi-iro. The black of ink.
  • Kinari-iro. The natural colour of undyed cloth.

Related references

Submit Your Case File

Every bespoke partnership begins with clarity. Tell us what you seek, what inspired you, and the boundaries of your project.


What Happens After You Submit

Your Case File is reviewed personally by a senior advisor. We examine your objectives, logistics requirements, cultural considerations, and practical constraints. You will receive a tailored proposal outlining recommended services, timelines, and all applicable fees.

  • Bespoke service design tailored to your specific needs
  • Museum-grade logistics for art, antiques, fashion, and collectibles
  • Transparent partnership with no hidden or surprise costs

“All fees, deposits, and retainers will be clearly presented for approval before any work begins.”

Your Case File

Please complete the form carefully. The more precise your information, the more accurately we can prepare your assessment.

All fields are required to submit this form.

Kindly allow us a brief moment to review your submission. A senior advisor will be in touch with your personalised next steps.

Thank you for entrusting us with your vision. We look forward to representing you with precision and discretion.