| Japanese color name | Dark blue bellflower |
|---|---|
| reading | konkikyou |
| HEX | #211E55 |
| RGB | 33, 30, 85 |
What is the navy bellflower? Origin and etymology
Kon-kikyo is a color name derived from the color of the bellflower, one of the seven autumn flowers. The purplish-blue color of the bellflower, which has been familiar in Japan since ancient times, is known as "kikyo-iro" (bellflower color), but kon-kikyo refers to a deeper shade of kikyo-iro, closer to navy blue. The addition of "kon" (navy blue) to the color name suggests a darker, more intense hue.
In traditional dyeing, indigo dyeing was the primary method, and it is said that the complex and deep colors were created by layering dyes with other dyes such as gromwell root (shikon) and sappanwood (suou).
Historical background of the navy blue bellflower
While the color of the bellflower itself appears in literature from the Heian period, the specific color name "kon-kikyo" (dark blue bellflower) is believed to have become widely used from the Edo period onward. During this time, partly due to the sumptuary laws imposed by the shogunate, subdued colors such as brown, gray, and dark blue were considered "chic" and became extremely popular among commoners. Kon-kikyo was one of these fashionable colors, and it is thought to have been favored for use in kimonos, accessories, and obi sashes, especially from the mid-Edo period onward when townspeople culture flourished.
Its elegance and composure made it popular regardless of social status, even being used in the formal attire of samurai warriors.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
The bellflower, from which the name "konkikyo" (dark blue bellflower) is derived, has long appeared in many literary works and waka poems as a flower that signals the arrival of autumn. It is counted as one of the seven autumn flowers and is also established as a seasonal word for autumn. There is a strong theory that the "morning glory" that appears in the poem about the seven autumn flowers composed by Yamanoe Okura in the Manyoshu refers to the bellflower.
While it is difficult to pinpoint an ancient Japanese poem that directly uses the color name "konkikyo" (deep blue bellflower), there are many poems that praise the beauty of the bellflower's deep blue-purple color, suggesting that this color has been deeply rooted in the Japanese aesthetic sense since ancient times.
The color of the bellflower and the Musashino of old
Color scheme preview
This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.
Navy bellflower color scheme proposal
White training (#FEFBF4)
This color scheme features a deep navy blue hue complemented by a pure and soft white. The two colors enhance each other, creating a clean, dignified, and refined impression. It is suitable for traditional Japanese clothing, formal designs, and high-end websites.
Fujirat (#9B95C9)
By combining the navy blue bellflower with wisteria gray, a muted purple shade similar to the navy blue bellflower, a unified and calming gradation is created. This color scheme is suitable for layering kimonos and interior design, as it creates an elegant, refined, quiet, and intellectual atmosphere.
Blue gold (#FABE00)
The deep purple of the navy blue bellflower and the vibrant turmeric yellow are almost complementary colors that enhance each other. The strong contrast creates a gorgeous and impressive combination, making it effective for modern Japanese designs and eye-catching advertisements.
Practical Scenes
In the world of traditional Japanese clothing, the navy blue bellflower color is widely used in formal kimonos, kimonos, and obi sashes due to its calm and dignified appearance. It is especially elegant when worn in autumn and is also favored for men's kimonos and yukata, giving a stylish impression. Depending on how it is combined with other colors, it can be styled in both classic and modern ways.
In interior design, deep colors bring a sense of calm and luxury to a space. Incorporating them into accent walls, cushions, and curtains tightens the overall look of the space. Combining them with natural materials such as white or wood tones creates a sophisticated Japanese modern space.
In web and graphic design, this color is suitable when you want to convey trustworthiness and expertise. It is effective as a corporate color for a company or as a theme color for an e-commerce site that handles traditional products. When combined with white or light gray, readability is enhanced, and using gold or silver as an accent can emphasize a sense of luxury.