| Japanese color name | Pink |
|---|---|
| reading | nadeshikoiro |
| HEX | #EEBBCB |
| RGB | 238, 187, 203 |
What is the color "Nadeshiko-iro"? Origin and etymology
Nadeshiko-iro refers to a pale reddish-pink color with a slight purplish tint, like the pink of the carnation flower, one of the seven autumn flowers. The name literally comes from the color of the carnation flower. One theory is that the name Nadeshiko was given because of the flower's delicate beauty, meaning "a child so cute you want to stroke them," and it has long been used as a word to praise the beauty of women and children.
This color perfectly reflects the delicate and elegant image of the carnation flower, and can be said to be one of the colors that symbolizes the Japanese aesthetic sense.
The historical background of the pink color
The pink color of the carnation is believed to have existed since the Heian period and was favored by the aristocracy of the time. It was particularly popular as a color for women's clothing, and its name can be found in classical literature such as "The Tale of Genji." The "kasane no irome" (layered colors) of the Heian period also included "nadeshiko," and it is said that the outer layer was made red and the inner layer blue (or green) to express a sense of the seasons.
During the Edo period, the pink color of the carnation became widely popular among ordinary people. With the development of woodblock printing technology, this color was frequently used in ukiyo-e prints, and it was particularly favored as the color of kimonos and accessories worn by young women. Its lovely hue added color to the lives of people at the time and has remained a beloved color across generations.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
The pink flower has been featured in many poems since the Manyoshu era, indicating that it is a plant that has been familiar to the Japanese people since ancient times. It also appears in a poem about the seven autumn flowers by Yamanoe Okura, and was recognized as a flower that represents the scenery of autumn. The beauty of the flower is also highly praised in Sei Shonagon's "The Pillow Book," where she writes, "Among the flowers of the grass, the pink is the most beautiful. The Chinese variety is especially lovely, but the Japanese variety is also very beautiful."
Furthermore, in "The Tale of Genji," the pink carnation flower is used symbolically in the story of Tamakazura, one of the women whom Hikaru Genji loved. In the chapter "Tokonatsu" (Eternal Summer), Tamakazura, the daughter of Yugao, is likened to a "Yamato Nadeshiko" (a traditional Japanese pink), and poems are composed to highlight her courage and beauty. As a seasonal word, "nadeshiko" is used as a seasonal word for autumn.
Carnations bloom, and the heat is forgotten in this grassy hut.
Color scheme preview
This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.
A proposed color scheme in pink (Nadeshiko).
Bellflower color (#585EAA)
This color combination also features the color of the bellflower, one of the seven autumn flowers. The delicate pink of the pink carnation and the deep blue-violet of the bellflower complement each other, creating an elegant and calming color scheme that evokes the atmosphere of autumn. It is suitable for Japanese clothing and Japanese-style designs.
Light green (#A9D159)
A natural combination reminiscent of the flowers and leaves of the carnation. The fresh, youthful green of the light green color complements the gentle pink of the carnation, creating a vibrant and refreshing impression of spring and early summer. It suits a bright and approachable design.
White Rat (#DCDDDD)
By combining it with a light gray color like white mouse, the sweetness of the pink is toned down, creating a sophisticated and modern impression. Because the color is not too assertive, it is easy to use as a background color, creating an elegant and calm adult atmosphere.
Practical Scenes
In the world of traditional Japanese clothing, the pink color of the carnation is used in furisode, houmongi, and komon kimonos worn by young women, giving a delicate and elegant impression. By incorporating it as an accent in accessories such as obi, obiage, and obijime, it can add vibrancy and softness to the entire outfit.
In interior design, incorporating pink (nadeshiko) into fabrics such as wallpaper, curtains, and cushions creates a bright and gentle atmosphere throughout the room. It pairs well with white and wood-grain natural furniture, and is effective in creating a comfortable and relaxing space.
In the fields of web design and graphic design, it is often used on websites for products and services aimed at women, as well as baby products. When used as the main color, it creates a cute impression, and when used partially as an accent color, it can add warmth and approachability to the design.