What is ultramarine blue (gunjō)? An explanation of the origin, history, and color scheme of this traditional Chinese color.

What is ultramarine? Origin and etymology

Ultramarine is a deep, purplish blue color reminiscent of a deep, tranquil night sky or the vast ocean. Its name comes from the pigment made by crushing the natural mineral azurite.

The character "群" means to gather, and "青" refers to the color blue itself. In other words, it is said that the name embodies the idea that the color is made up of a collection of blue particles. As it is a natural pigment, it has been treated as extremely valuable since ancient times, and its profound hue has attracted many people.

The historical background of ultramarine

Ultramarine has a long history, having been used as a pigment in China for thousands of years. A prime example is the murals of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the harsh desert environment, the robes of the Buddhas and celestial beings, painted in ultramarine, retain their vibrant blue color even after more than a thousand years.

During the Tang Dynasty in particular, ultramarine played a crucial role in the world of painting. Used together with the green pigment sekiryoku (verdigris), it established a painting style known as "blue-green landscapes." Mountains depicted in this style possess a majestic and mystical quality that transcends reality, resembling an ideal utopia. Because the pigment was extremely expensive, its use was also a symbol of power and wealth, often associated with the imperial court and temples.

Ultramarine in Chinese Art and Crafts

The brilliance of ultramarine can be found in masterpieces of Chinese art. The "Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains Scroll," attributed to the Northern Song dynasty painter Wang Ximeng, is renowned as a supreme masterpiece of blue-green landscape painting, lavishly using ultramarine and stone green to depict a magnificent mountain and river landscape. The deep, vibrant blue seen in this scroll truly speaks to the beauty of ultramarine.

In the field of ceramics, blue hues were also highly valued, but ultramarine as a pigment was mainly used in painting. In fashion culture, it is thought to have been used as a noble color for ceremonial clothing, but it seems that it was more often incorporated partially as the color of embroidery thread rather than as a dye.

Color scheme preview

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

Ultramarine color scheme proposal

Practical Scenes

In interior design, ultramarine blue brings depth and sophistication to a space. Incorporating it into accent walls in studies or bedrooms, or using it in fabrics such as sofas and cushions, can create a calm and intellectual atmosphere. Combining it with gold or brass materials further enhances its luxurious feel.

In the world of fashion, ultramarine is a color that conveys elegance and intelligence. Deep blue dresses and coats make a strong statement in formal settings. Furthermore, using it as an accent color in accessories such as scarves, bags, and jewelry can tighten up the overall look and create a sophisticated style.

In web and graphic design, this color is suitable for conveying trustworthiness and expertise. Using it as the main color for a company logo or corporate website can instill a sense of security and a dignified image in users. It also creates a beautiful contrast with white text, resulting in highly readable designs.

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