| Japanese color name | 蓮 |
|---|---|
| reading | hasu |
| season | 夏 |
| Color of the table | Beni (beni) |
| Back color | blue (ao) |
What is a lotus flower? Origin and etymology
"Lotus" is a color combination inspired by the lotus flower that blooms by the water's edge in summer. As the name suggests, it expresses the scene of lotuses floating on the water's surface through its colors. The "crimson" on the outside symbolizes the vibrant color of the lotus flower opening in the morning sun, while the "blue" on the inside represents the fresh green of the lotus leaves spreading across the water's surface. In this way, the aristocrats of the Heian period skillfully incorporated beautiful scenes from the natural world into the color schemes of their clothing, possessing an aesthetic sense that delicately expressed the changing seasons.
This color scheme, born from Japan's rich sense of color, evokes a feeling of coolness and the radiance of life amidst the summer heat.
The "blue" used for the lining in this color scheme originally referred to a broad range of colors, including what we now call green. In ancient Japan, green and blue were not clearly distinguished and were sometimes simply referred to as "ao," and this color combination is based on that custom. Therefore, the blue of the lining is generally interpreted as the green of lotus leaves. The contrast between the crimson flowers and the lush green leaves gives the viewer a sense of coolness and splendor at the same time, conveying to us the refined aesthetics of the Heian aristocracy.
Historical background of the lotus
The concept of layered colors developed primarily in the attire of court women during the 10th and 11th centuries, when the Heian period's national culture flourished. In particular, the harmony of colors visible from the cuffs and hems was considered important in "kasane-uchigi," a style of wearing multiple layers of uchiki (a type of kimono). The "lotus" color scheme is thought to have been used as one such summer garment.
Although there are not many specific records of its use, it is presumed that this color scheme was recognized in aristocratic society as a representative color combination for expressing the feeling of summer.
The "Masasuke Shōzoku Shō," a book on the customs of Heian period clothing, also describes various colors for each season, showing how sensitive people were to color at that time. The lotus flower was revered in Buddhism as a sacred flower that blooms in the Pure Land, so it is possible that it not only represented the season but also carried spiritual meanings such as purity and nobility.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
The lotus flower, with its pure appearance, appears in many waka poems and stories. For example, the *Kokin Wakashū* contains a poem by the monk Henjō describing how lotus leaves repel water without being stained by muddy water. This indicates that the lotus has long been recognized as a symbol of a pure heart untainted by the defilements of the secular world. In *The Tale of Genji* and *The Pillow Book*, the lotus is effectively used in Buddhist contexts and descriptions of summer scenes, adding depth to the stories.
Through these literary works, we can catch a glimpse of the special feelings that Heian-era aristocrats held for lotus flowers.
With a heart untainted by the muddy waters of the lotus leaf, how can one deceive the dew as a jewel?
The season and scenery of lotus flowers
"Lotus," as its name suggests, is a color combination worn during the summer when lotus flowers bloom, especially from June to July in the old lunar calendar. In the modern calendar, this corresponds to the peak of summer, from July to August. The combination of red on the outside and blue on the inside vividly depicts the scene of lotus flowers blooming in the strong summer sun and the cool water surface spreading out below. This color scheme is a clever way to bring coolness and elegance to the hot season, and it symbolizes the refined lifestyle of Heian aristocrats who enjoyed the seasonal feeling visually.
The lotus flower's life cycle—opening in the morning and closing by midday—brought a transience to its beauty, captivating the hearts of the nobility. Furthermore, its strong association with Buddhism as a sacred flower suggests that this color scheme may have been consciously chosen during Buddhist ceremonies such as Obon. It was more than mere decoration; it embodied a sense of the seasons, religious beliefs, and a deep understanding of nature.
Lotus color scheme proposal
Shironeri (#FFFFFF)
The pure white of the shironeri enhances the purity and sacredness of the lotus flower. Adding white to the vivid contrast of red and blue brightens the overall impression, further emphasizing the coolness and cleanliness of summer. In traditional Japanese clothing, it was used as the color for the unlined garment.
Light green (#A9D159)
Moegi is a vibrant yellowish-green color reminiscent of young leaves, and when combined with the blue (green) lining, it beautifully expresses the fresh vitality of aquatic plants. It is close to a complementary color to the red flowers, and has the effect of making both colors appear more vivid.
Gold (#E6B422)
In Buddhist art, the lotus flower and gold are frequently combined as motifs, giving an impression of nobility and grandeur. Incorporating gold into the patterns of clothing and sashes can create a sense of splendor and gravitas suitable for formal occasions.
Practical Scenes
During the Heian period, the lotus motif was primarily used in the layering of women's uchigi (outer robes). The contrast of red and blue peeking out from the cuffs, collar, and hem swayed with every step, creating an elegant and refined beauty. It was a sophisticated way of expressing the feeling of summer through clothing.
In modern times, incorporating this color scheme into kimonos, yukatas, obi sashes, and obi-jime (sash cords) allows you to enjoy a stylish summer look. It is especially suitable for occasions where seasonality is important, such as summer tea ceremonies and theater performances. This color scheme is effective not only in traditional Japanese clothing but also in fashion, interior design, and graphic design to express a summer theme. The combination of coolness and vibrancy in these colors is sure to catch the eye of many.