| Japanese color name | Mori Ruakairo |
|---|---|
| reading | kakitsubatairo |
| HEX | #5E3862 |
| RGB | 94, 56, 98 |
What is the color "kakitsubata-iro"? Origin and etymology.
The term "kakitsubata-iro" refers to a vibrant bluish-purple color, like that of the kakitsubata flower, a perennial plant belonging to the iris family. The kakitsubata is a plant that blooms beautifully by the water's edge in early summer and has been familiar to the Japanese people since ancient times. It is believed that the elegant appearance and color of its flowers became established as the name of the color. It is sometimes written with the kanji characters "燕子花," and as the name suggests, the shape of the flower is sometimes likened to a swallow in flight.
This color name, which incorporates the beauty of nature into its name, is one that reflects a uniquely Japanese sensibility.
The historical background of iris-colored flowers
The color of the iris is known to have been particularly favored during the Heian period. The anecdote in "The Tales of Ise" in which Ariwara no Narihira composed a waka poem upon seeing a cluster of irises in Yatsuhashi, Mikawa Province, is extremely famous. Through this story, the color of the iris came to be widely recognized among the nobility as a color symbolizing the elegant culture of the capital and the melancholy of travel. In the Edo period, Ogata Kōrin, a painter of the Rinpa school, created the national treasure "Irises Screen," elevating the beauty of the iris to the realm of art.
As a result, the color iris yellow gained significant cultural and artistic value, profoundly influencing later generations.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
When discussing the color of irises, the ninth chapter, "Yatsuhashi," of the Heian period poetic tale "The Tales of Ise" is indispensable. The chapter depicts the protagonist, on his way to the eastern provinces, composing a poem at Yatsuhashi, where irises are in full bloom, using the five characters for "kakitsubata" (iris) as the beginning of each line. This acrostic poem, "Karagoromo kitsutsu narenishi tsuma areba harubaru kinuru tabi o shizo omou" (I think of the long journey I have taken, because I have worn this kimono and grown accustomed to it), became a symbolic work that linked irises and literature.
Furthermore, in the world of haiku, "iris" and "swimming iris" are used as seasonal words for summer, and are indispensable words for composing poems about the cool scenery of the waterside.
Having worn this robe and grown accustomed to it, I think of the long journey I have taken.
Color scheme preview
This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.
A color scheme proposal in iris yellow.
White green (#D6E9D6)
This natural and refreshing color scheme evokes the combination of colors found in iris flowers and leaves. The pale green of the white-green enhances the vibrancy of the iris color, creating a refreshing scene of a waterside in early summer. The colors also have a complementary relationship, almost like complementary colors, where each color enhances the other.
Golden (#E6B422)
This design evokes the combination of gold leaf and irises found in Ogata Korin's national treasure, the "Irises Screen." It exudes a luxurious and elegant atmosphere, strongly conveying the beauty of Japanese tradition. It is suitable for situations where you want to create a dignified impression.
Black (#333333)
The vibrant iris color is toned down by a calm ink black, creating a modern and sophisticated impression. It evokes a serene and refined atmosphere, like irises blooming by a quiet waterside at night. This combination is effective for a chic and mature look.
Practical Scenes
In the world of kimono, iris yellow is extremely popular as a pattern for formal kimono and yukata. It is especially often used for early summer attire, giving a cool and elegant impression. Incorporating it as an accent in accessories such as obi sashes and obi ties brightens up the entire outfit. In modern fashion, incorporating this color in dresses or scarves can create an intelligent and elegant atmosphere.
In interior design, using iris yellow in cushion covers, curtains, and art panels brings a Japanese aesthetic and tranquility to a space. When used as an accent color in a natural space based on white, beige, and wood tones, the color stands out and creates a sophisticated impression. When incorporated into a bedroom, it is said to be a calming purple color that helps create a relaxing space.