| Japanese color name | wet color |
|---|---|
| reading | nurebairo |
| HEX | #000B00 |
| RGB | 0, 11, 0 |
What is "Nureba-iro" (raven black)? Origin and etymology.
The term "nureba-iro" (wet feather color) literally derives from the word for a crow's feather that is wet with water. At first glance, a crow's feather appears to be just black, but when light hits it, it emits a complex sheen of green, purple, and bluish hues. Nureba-iro expresses this wet-looking sheen and deep black color. In particular, the expression "nureba-iro" has long been used to describe the beautiful black hair of Japanese women, and its beauty is depicted in literary works from the Heian period.
The essence of this color lies not in its simple blackness, but in its moist sheen and depth.
The historical background of the raven black color
The term "nureba-iro" (raven black) has been deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics since its appearance in literature during the Heian period as a word praising women's beautiful black hair. In the Edo period, black dyeing techniques developed among commoners, and a deep black was sought after for formal wear such as black crested kimonos. Nureba-iro was considered a particularly lustrous and dignified color among these jet blacks. Even in modern times, its depth and luster continue to be valued in traditional Japanese crafts such as kimonos and lacquerware.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
The color "raven's
The girl's black hair, flowing through her comb, is a beautiful sight in the springtime of pride.
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 raven black.
Scarlet (#D3381C)
The combination of lustrous black (nureba-iro) and vibrant, powerful crimson is a dignified color scheme that evokes traditional Japanese beauty. Like the relationship between black and vermilion in lacquerware, the colors complement each other, achieving both splendor and a sense of gravitas. It is suitable for celebratory occasions and special events.
Tsukihaku (#EAF4FC)
The deep, raven-black color is combined with a very pale, bluish-white reminiscent of moonlight, evoking a tranquil night scene. The high contrast gives it a sophisticated, modern impression. It is effective in minimalist designs and situations where tranquility is desired.
Light green (#A9D159)
The combination of a vibrant, fresh green reminiscent of young grass and a deep black evokes the image of new life sprouting from the darkness. The youthful brightness of the fresh green, combined with the weightiness of the black, creates a fresh and powerful impression. This color scheme is well suited to expressing the vitality of nature in early spring.
Practical Scenes
The raven black color, with its sense of luxury and depth, is frequently used in formal occasions. In particular, in the world of kimono, such as the black formal kimono (kurotomesode) and crested haori hakama, it is highly regarded as the most dignified black. Its lustrous sheen highlights the texture of the fabric and enhances the wearer's elegance.
In interior design, it is an effective accent color that tightens up a space. For example, using it on one wall, high-end furniture, or lacquered furnishings can create a dignified and modern atmosphere. When combined with white or wood-grain materials, the color contrast is beautifully highlighted.
In web and graphic design, using gold as a background color can make other colors and text stand out. In particular, combining it with metallic colors such as gold and silver can emphasize a sense of luxury and exclusivity. It's useful for creating a sophisticated world on brand websites and other similar sites.