| Japanese color name | Left Itatsu Manshoku |
|---|---|
| reading | saitazumairo |
| HEX | #328131 |
| RGB | 50, 129, 49 |
- What is Hidari Itatsu Manshoku? Origin and etymology
- The historical background of Hidari Itatsu Manshoku
- Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
- Color scheme preview
- A color scheme proposal featuring many colors from Hidari Itatsu.
- Practical Scenes
- FAQ
- Japanese colors similar to Hidari Itatsuman
What is Hidari Itatsu Manshoku? Origin and etymology
Saitazumanshoku is a traditional Japanese color referring to a deep, calming shade of green. Its origin is said to come from the name of a plant called "Saitazuma" mentioned in the Manyoshu, an ancient collection of Japanese poetry. There are various theories as to what this plant specifically refers to, including the theory that it is the elderberry (Sambucus mongolica) of the honeysuckle family, or the theory that it is the Japanese cinnamon (Cinnamomum japonicum) of the laurel family, but it has not yet been definitively identified.
It is said that the name comes from the color dyed with the vines of this plant, or from the color of the vines themselves.
As a color name, "Hidari Itatsuma" evokes the vitality of plants and their lush, overgrown appearance. It is one of the colors that ancient people discovered and named from the nature around them, and its name reflects Japan's rich vegetation and its delicate sensibility towards it. Although there are few specific records of its dyeing method, it is a color name with a narrative quality that has been passed down through generations as a literary expression.
The historical background of Hidari Itatsu Manshoku
The name "Hidari Itatsuman" (左伊達津万色) appears in the Manyoshu, a collection of poems compiled during the Nara period, indicating that it is a color with a very long history. An anonymous poem included in Volume 11 reads, "Hidari Itatsuman, may the vines crawl and wrap around without ceasing," suggesting that this plant was deeply rooted in the lives and culture of the people at that time. This poem likens the way the plant's vines endlessly entwine to an unending love.
The Engishiki, compiled during the Heian period, details the dyes and dyeing methods used at the imperial court at the time, but there is no direct mention of "Saita-tsu Manshoku." This suggests that it was likely a color name favored in literary or private spheres, perhaps through waka poetry, rather than an officially recognized color name. As time passed, it is believed to have become recognized more as an elegant color name derived from classical literature than as an actual dyeing technique.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
The most symbolic use of this color name is in an anonymous poem included in Volume 11 of the Manyoshu. The poem reads, "My love for my beloved is like the vine of Saitazuma in the deep mountains, clinging to him without ceasing," expressing passionate love for the beloved, wishing that it would cling to him without end, like the vine of Saitazuma growing luxuriantly in the deep mountains. Here, it is not the color itself, but the vigorous life force of the plant that is skillfully used as a metaphor.
Through this poem, "Hidari Itatsuma" transcended being merely a plant or color name, taking on the nuance of a word symbolizing a deep, intertwining love or profound connection. Although there are few instances of this color being directly mentioned in later literary works, the imagery and emotions evoked by the poem in the Manyoshu are deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics. While not designated as a seasonal word, it is a color that evokes the image of summer when the green of plants deepens.
My love for my beloved is like the kudzu vines of the deep mountains of Saitazuma, crawling and clinging without ceasing.
Color scheme preview
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A color scheme proposal featuring many colors from Hidari Itatsu.
鶸Menghuang (#899953)
The bright, youthful yellow-green of Hiwa-moegi and the deep green of Hidari-Itatsuman create a beautiful gradation. This color scheme evokes the shades of light and dark in natural trees and moss, giving a calm and harmonious impression. It emphasizes a Japanese aesthetic while also expressing a modern lightness.
Dark brown (#6A4028)
A natural and stable color scheme that expresses the relationship between the trees and the soil of a deep forest. The dark brown powerfully complements the green of Hidari-Itatsuman, creating a dignified and refined atmosphere. Suitable for traditional Japanese spatial design and designs that emphasize trustworthiness.
Bamboo color (#F6C555)
The bright, warm yellow of the gardenia color provides a vivid contrast to the deep green of the Hidari Itatsuma color. It evokes images of flowers blooming in a dark forest and sunlight filtering through, creating an impressive combination that conveys vitality and hope. It is an effective accent that draws the eye.
Practical Scenes
In the world of traditional Japanese clothing, Hidari-Itatsuman-iro is a calm and deep green, used in the dyeing of formal kimonos, solid-colored kimonos, and obi sashes. It is especially valued as a color that adds depth and elegance to autumn and winter attire. When combined with patterns using gold or silver threads, or with brightly colored obi sashes, the deep green is further enhanced, creating a dignified and refined look.
In interior design, incorporating it into wallpaper, curtains, and rugs brings tranquility and serenity to a space. It pairs well with wooden furniture and off-white fabrics, making it suitable for creating Japanese modern or natural-style spaces. It also harmonizes naturally with the greenery of houseplants, creating a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.
In web design and graphic design, this color can be used as the main color for content themed around reliability, tradition, and nature. Placing this color against a white or light gray background creates an elegant and sophisticated impression without compromising readability. It is also effective as a brand color for brands aiming to convey a sense of luxury and expertise.