| Japanese color name | Ultramarine |
|---|---|
| reading | gunjouiro |
| HEX | #465DAA |
| RGB | 70, 93, 170 |
What is ultramarine blue? Origin and etymology
Ultramarine blue is a vibrant, deep shade of blue. Its name originates from the natural mineral pigment "gunjo" (ultramarine). This pigment is made by finely crushing a copper mineral called azurite. It is said to have been named "gunjo" because the blue particles appear to be clustered together. Because it is made from a natural mineral, it is produced in small quantities and has been highly valued since ancient times as a pigment that was as expensive as gold.
The historical background of ultramarine blue
The use of ultramarine blue is ancient, and in Japan, its use can be confirmed in the murals of the Horyuji Temple's main hall and the Takamatsuzuka Tomb. During the Nara period, with the flourishing of Buddhist art, it was widely used as a sacred color to solemnly adorn Buddhist statues and paintings. Many artifacts colored with ultramarine blue remain among the treasures of the Shosoin.
Even after the Heian period, ultramarine continued to be used in picture scrolls and folding screen paintings as a color symbolizing aristocratic culture. In particular, Rinpa school painters, represented by Ogata Kōrin, created a world of opulent and decorative works by boldly combining ultramarine with gold and silver. In the modern era, chemically synthesized artificial ultramarine became widespread, but natural rock ultramarine still retains its value as an important pigment in Japanese painting.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
Ultramarine blue, due to its rarity and striking beauty, has long been treated as a special color in the world of literature. It is often used to describe the clear summer sky or the deep, tranquil sea. Although it does not exist as a specific seasonal word, it is associated with words like "blue sky" and "green leaves" of summer, evoking vibrant scenes of the season. In modern literature, it is sometimes mentioned as a color symbolizing traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Skylarks sing in the deep blue sky.
Color scheme preview
This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.
Ultramarine color scheme proposal
Golden (#E6B422)
This is a symbolic color scheme frequently used in Rinpa school paintings. The deep ultramarine blue and the shimmering gold complement each other, creating a luxurious and dignified impression. It is the perfect combination for creating a traditional and majestic atmosphere.
White green (#D6E9D6)
Like ultramarine, white-green is a color derived from mineral pigments and therefore has a high affinity with it. The combination of calm blue and light green evokes a sense of elegance and freshness reminiscent of Japanese painting. It is a color scheme that gives a natural and gentle impression.
Coral color (#F58F71)
The deep blue of ultramarine and the warm reddish-orange of coral are close to complementary colors, and they have the effect of making each other appear more vibrant. The result is a modern color scheme with a strong contrast that is both vibrant and has a Japanese aesthetic.
Practical Scenes
In kimono and obi sashes, ultramarine blue is often used for formal occasions. When used as part of the pattern on formal kimono such as visiting kimono or formal kimono, it tightens the overall impression and adds a noble atmosphere. In particular, when combined with gold or silver threads, it creates a gorgeous and resplendent beauty.
In interior design, incorporating ultramarine blue into accent walls, cushions, paintings, and other decorative items brings depth and tranquility to a space. Adding ultramarine blue to a space based on white or wood tones creates a sophisticated Japanese modern atmosphere.
In the fields of web design and graphic design, it is used as a color to express trustworthiness, intelligence, and sophistication. It is effective as a corporate color for companies or as a key color for brands that value tradition and quality.