| Japanese color name | landscape |
|---|---|
| reading | sansui |
| season | 夏 |
| Color of the table | Green (midori) |
| Back color | blue (ao) |
What is "Sansui"? Origin and etymology
"Sansui" (山水), as its name suggests, is a layered color scheme that expresses the summer scenery of mountains and water on clothing. The deep green of the outer layer symbolizes trees thriving under the summer sun, while the vibrant blue of the inner layer symbolizes clear streams flowing between rocks and cool lake waters. This color scheme can be seen as an expression of the aesthetic sense of the Heian period aristocracy, who deeply loved the beauty of nature and sought to incorporate that emotion into their everyday attire. It reveals an artistic sense of color that condenses the magnificent and refreshing natural scenery of summer into a single garment.
The origin of this color scheme is believed to be influenced by landscape painting, which was introduced from China. Landscape painting is an art form that depicts natural landscapes using varying shades of ink, and it is possible that its philosophy merged with Japanese color culture and was reinterpreted as clothing colors. It is not merely a combination of colors, but rather embodies a deep empathy for ideal natural landscapes and the changing seasons. It is said that the nobility enjoyed a sense of oneness with the summer nature by wearing this color scheme.
Historical background of landscapes
The layered color scheme was established within the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the aristocracy during the Heian period, a time when Japanese culture flourished. For them, who valued the changing seasons, the colors of their clothing were an important element in demonstrating their education and sensibilities. The "landscape" color scheme is one of the representative summer color combinations that emerged from this cultural background. While the exact date of its establishment is uncertain, it is believed to have become established by the mid-to-late Heian period.
The Kamakura period book of court etiquette, "Masasuke Shōzoku Shō," mentions "mountain and water" as a summer garment. It states that the garment is "blue on the outside and blue on the inside," but since "blue" here refers to a broad range of colors including modern green, it is interpreted as a combination of "green on the outside and blue on the inside." It is presumed that this garment was favored for private occasions to enjoy the seasonal scenery, rather than as ceremonial attire in the imperial court.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
While it is difficult to pinpoint specific literary works that directly feature the "landscape" color combination, Heian literature contains numerous scenes depicting the appreciation of summer nature. In "The Tale of Genji" and "The Pillow Book," the scenes of aristocrats seeking refuge from the summer heat by cool springs and riverbanks are vividly described, allowing us to imagine the colors of the clothing they might have worn. The contrast between the green trees and the blue water was a universally beautiful summer scene for people of that time.
Furthermore, the word "mountain and water" was an important theme in both Japanese and Chinese poetry. It was used when praising the grandeur and tranquility of nature, and it was a concept deeply rooted in people's hearts. The layered color combination "mountain and water" can be seen as one attempt by aristocrats with such literary backgrounds to express the world of poetry and song through their clothing.
The incessant chirping of cicadas in the dense trees at the top of the summer mountain may make me yearn for them.
Seasons and Scenery of Mountains and Waters
"Sansui" (landscape) is a color scheme that expresses the feeling of summer, especially from June to August when the greenery is at its deepest. The vibrant green of the trees, enhanced by the rainy season's rains, and the blue of the river surface reflecting the clear sky evoke vivid summer scenes in the viewer. This color scheme is not only beautiful but also intended to create a visually refreshing effect. It embodies the wisdom of our ancestors who sought to make the hot and humid Japanese summer a little more comfortable through the ingenuity of color.
It is easy to imagine that a figure dressed in these colors would have stood before the scenes of a landscape painting. This attire was perfectly suited to occasions where one could harmonize with nature and deeply appreciate the seasonal beauty, such as banquets in summer gardens, boating on rivers, or relaxing in a summer resort palace. It strongly reflects the aesthetics of the Heian aristocracy, who idealized the unity of nature and humanity.
Color scheme proposal for landscapes
Shironeri (#FFFFFF)
Pure white evokes images of towering summer cumulonimbus clouds and whitecaps on a river, and when combined with the green and blue of "mountain and water," it adds an even greater sense of coolness and freshness. The resulting clean color scheme completes a bright and cheerful summer landscape.
Withered leaf color (#915E33)
The withered leaf color is an earth tone reminiscent of dry soil and rocky surfaces, and when added to a "mountain and water" color scheme, it brings depth and stability to natural landscapes. The combination of green, blue, and brown gives an impression of calmness and harmony.
Nadeshiko-iro (pink) (#E7A2B8)
Adding the delicate pink of carnations blooming in the summer fields as an accent color brings vibrancy and tenderness to the majestic mountain landscape. It expresses the colors of flowers blooming in nature, creating an elegant and feminine impression.
Practical Scenes
In traditional Japanese clothing, the "landscape" color scheme can be incorporated into summer kimonos, yukatas, and accessories such as obi sashes and obiage sashes to create a cool and seasonally appropriate look. In particular, when this color scheme is used with sheer summer fabrics such as ro or sha, the overlapping colors appear lighter and more elegant. It is also a suitable color scheme for men's attire, possessing a sense of calm and dignity.
Even in modern lifestyles, the "landscape" color scheme can be used in a variety of situations. In interior design, incorporating this color into living rooms and studies can create a space that is both calming and refreshing. In website and graphic design, it is ideal for content themed around nature, the environment, or trustworthiness, and can give viewers a sense of security and freshness.