| Japanese color name | Red Turmeric |
|---|---|
| reading | beniukon |
| HEX | #E98B2A |
| RGB | 233, 139, 42 |
What is "Beni Ukon"? Origin and Etymology
As the name suggests, Beni-Ukon (crimson turmeric) is a color created by combining two dyes: safflower and turmeric. First, the fabric is underdyed with the yellow of turmeric, and then the red of safflower is layered on top to create this vibrant and deep yellow-red color. Turmeric is a dye extracted from the rhizome of a plant in the ginger family, and safflower is a dye extracted from the petals of a plant in the daisy family; both have been used in Japan since ancient times.
By combining the two dyes, we achieve a unique and beautiful hue that cannot be expressed using either dye alone.
Historical background of the red turmeric
The color name "Beni-Ukon" (crimson turmeric) appears in historical documents relatively recently, dating back to the mid-Edo period or later. During this time, a wider variety of colors became popular among common people, and dyeing techniques also improved. Beni-Ukon is said to have been particularly popular in situations where splendor was desired, such as for the costumes of Kabuki actors and the kimonos of town girls.
While sumptuary laws sometimes restricted the use of bright colors, the subtle hues created by combining turmeric and safflower are thought to have been one way of enjoying fashion within the confines of those restrictions.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
The reddish-brown color can be seen in literature and ukiyo-e prints depicting the customs of the Edo period. For example, in Ihara Saikaku's ukiyo-zoshi, it sometimes appears in descriptions of clothing colors as a symbol of the splendor of the townspeople's culture of the time. Although it is rarely mentioned in specific waka or haiku poems, its hue, reminiscent of autumn leaves and ripe fruit, makes it one of the colors associated with depicting autumn scenery.
Although it's not directly registered as a seasonal word, its colors evoke the feeling of a bountiful autumn harvest.
Color scheme preview
This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.
Red and turmeric color scheme proposal
Uguischa (#715C1F)
The subdued, calming green of the鶯茶 (uguisu-cha) enhances the vibrancy of the crimson turmeric, creating an overall Japanese aesthetic. This color scheme evokes the beauty of autumn nature, with each color complementing the others, resulting in a profound and nuanced impression. It's a combination often seen in kimono sashes and accessories.
Bellflower color (#58478D)
The noble, deep purple of the bellflower color contrasts beautifully with the warm, vibrant impression of crimson turmeric, making each color stand out. This creates an elegant and refined atmosphere, a color scheme reminiscent of Edo-period sophistication. It is particularly effective as an accent color for accessories and designs.
Generated color (#FBF9F4)
The soft, natural off-white gently complements the vibrancy of the crimson turmeric, creating a bright and clean impression. While crimson turmeric takes center stage, the overall tone remains light, making this color scheme easy to incorporate into modern designs and interiors.
Practical Scenes
Red turmeric is especially beloved in the world of traditional Japanese clothing due to its vibrant and warm colors. Used in furisode (long-sleeved kimono), houmongi (formal visiting kimono), and accessories such as obiage (sash ties) and obijime (sash cords), it adds color and a stylish accent to an outfit. It is a color particularly often seen in autumn kimonos.
In interior design, using it as an accent color in cushion covers, curtains, or sections of wallpaper brings warmth and a Japanese atmosphere to a space. It also pairs well with wood tones and blends naturally not only into traditional Japanese houses but also into modern spaces.
In web and graphic design, this color is effective for banners and buttons that you want to attract attention. When used in a warm color scheme, it creates an energetic and friendly impression. It is also suitable as a key color for websites with a traditional or Japanese theme.