What is Grape Color - Shrimp Color? An explanation of the origin, history, and color scheme of this traditional Japanese color.

What are the terms "grape color" and "shrimp color"? Origin and etymology.

Grape color - shrimp color (ebiiro) refers to a dark reddish color with a purplish tint. There are said to be two origins for this name. One theory is that it is named after the color of the ripe fruit of "ebikazura," a type of grape that grows wild in the mountains and fields. "Ebikazura" was also called simply "ebi" in the past, and it is said that the color was named "ebiiro" because it was dyed with the fruit of this plant. The other theory is that the characters "海老色" (ebiiro) were used because the color resembles the color of the shell of a cooked spiny lobster.

It is believed that these two origins blended together, resulting in the current color names and shades.

While its hue is similar in depth to wine red or burgundy, the traditional Japanese color of grape-colored shrimp-colored shrimp has a more subdued and sophisticated quality, drawing inspiration from nature. It is said that this color was achieved using plant dyes, including the fruit of the shrimp vine, as well as sappanwood and madder, with varying mordants. It is one of the colors that symbolizes the delicate aesthetic sense of the Japanese people, who have incorporated the rich colors of nature into their lives.

Grape-colored - Shrimp-colored historical background

The names "grape color" and "shrimp color" have been seen since the Heian period and are even mentioned in the Engishiki (a compilation of laws and regulations from the Heian period). At that time, it was considered a noble color and was used in the attire of court nobles, second only to the forbidden colors (kinjiki) that could not be worn without the emperor's permission. It was particularly popular as a color for women's clothing, and the combination of "grape" and "shrimp" was also used as a layering color.

During the Kamakura period, this color became popular among the samurai class, and records show that it was used for the lacing of armor. It is thought that this color, which gave armor depth and strength, suited the aesthetic sensibilities of the samurai. In the Edo period, it became more widely known along with the rise of popular culture.

Particularly during the mid-Edo period, the color "ebi-cha" (shrimp brown) became popular after being favored by the Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro I, and the grape-colored ebi-cha also attracted attention again. It is especially famous as the color of the headband worn by Sukeroku, the protagonist of "Sukeroku Yukari Edo Zakura," and was beloved by ordinary people as a color symbolizing the stylish and sophisticated Edo culture.

Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words

The color grape-red or shrimp-red appears in "The Tale of Genji," considered the pinnacle of Heian period literature. In the work, it is referred to as "ebizome" and is depicted as the color of the clothing worn by characters such as Hikaru Genji. This indicates that in the aristocratic society of the time, this color was a symbol of refined beauty.

In Sei Shōnagon's "The Pillow Book," there is a description of "shrimp-colored fabric," suggesting that this color was deeply rooted in the lives of the time. Through these literary works, we can see that grape-colored/shrimp-colored was not merely a color, but an important element for expressing social status, education, and a sense of the seasons.

In modern literature, Masaoka Shiki composed the haiku, "A kimono dyed in shrimp-colored hue, on the Chrysanthemum Festival." This haiku describes how a shrimp-colored kimono stands out vividly against the autumnal backdrop of the Chrysanthemum Festival, conveying the enduring appeal of this color.

A kimono dyed in shrimp color, for the Chrysanthemum Festival.

Color scheme preview

This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.

Grape-red and shrimp-red color scheme proposal

Practical Scenes

In the world of traditional Japanese clothing, the shades of grape and shrimp are widely used for kimonos, obi sashes, and accessories such as obiage (sash ties). They are considered particularly ideal for expressing the feeling of autumn, and their deep hue adds elegance and composure to an outfit. They are also favored for formal occasions such as coming-of-age ceremonies (wearing furisode or houmongi kimonos).

In interior design, using it as an accent color brings a sense of depth and warmth to a space. Incorporating it into one wall of wallpaper, cushions, rugs, or curtains can effectively create a calm, modern Japanese atmosphere. It also pairs well with different materials such as wood and metal.

In web and graphic design, using this color as a key color can convey themes such as luxury, tradition, and history. It is particularly well-suited to websites of established brands, cultural content, and Japanese-style product packaging.

FAQ

Grape color - a Japanese color similar to shrimp color.