What is "Dou Green" (豆緑)? An explanation of the origin, history, and color scheme of this traditional Chinese color.

Traditional Chinese Colors
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豆緑(とうりょく)
Color nameBean Green
readingpower
pinyindoulu
HEX#9ED048
RGB158, 208, 72
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What is Doulu? Origin and Etymology

As the name suggests, "Tōryoku" (豆緑) is a vibrant and fresh green color derived from the color of the pods of young beans that have just sprouted.

This color captures the vibrant, youthful hues of peas and mung beans that appear with the arrival of spring, evoking feelings of hope, growth, and peaceful tranquility in the viewer.

This is one of the approachable traditional colors, whose name simply reflects the natural beauty of the world.

The historical background of Doulu

The color "dou-green" (bean green) became particularly deeply associated with court culture during the Qing dynasty. During this period, the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen produced a large quantity of celadon known as "dou-qing glaze" or "dou-lu glaze," which was favored by emperors and nobles.

Douqing glaze is characterized by a milder, gentler green color than traditional celadon, and its elegant hue was particularly highly valued during the reigns of the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong emperors. This color enhances the inherent beauty of the vessel itself without the need for extravagant decoration, thus aligning with the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the literati.

From ceremonial vessels used in the royal court to everyday tableware, porcelain with a dome-blue glaze was widely used, likely adding a gentle touch of color to the lives of people at that time.

Doulou in Chinese Art and Crafts

The most iconic example of the bean-green hue is the "douqing glaze" of Qing Dynasty porcelain. This smooth, subdued green glaze was applied to various vessels such as vases, bowls, and plates. Sometimes it was used as a single color, and other times it was combined with other techniques such as fencai (fencai) and doucai (doucai) to create more elaborate decorations.

In fashion culture, this refreshing green color was favored for spring and summer clothing. Hanfu and qipao made from lustrous silk fabrics dyed in this bean green color exuded a sense of coolness and youthful elegance. The literary work "Dream of the Red Chamber" also mentions a thin silk fabric called "bean green palace sheath," suggesting that this color was popular among upper-class women of the time.

My family's four-color color, and its naivety. It's always raining, it's blue, it's autumn, it's pine green, it's the same color, it's the same color, it's the same color, it's the same color, it's the same color, it's the same color, it's green.

― Cao Xueqin, “Dream of the Red House”

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Mame green color scheme suggestion

Ivory white (#F2EEDD)

The refreshing green of the bean-green harmonizes with the warmth of the ivory-white, creating a color scheme that is both clean and elegant. It creates a natural and calming space, giving viewers a sense of peace and tranquility.

Momoko (#F4A7B9)

Combining a fresh, leafy green with a flower-like pink creates a vibrant color scheme that evokes the arrival of spring. It gives a bright, lovely, and youthful impression.

Raven blue (#404852)

The vibrant bean green is contrasted with a deep, calming raven blue, creating a sophisticated and intellectual impression. It's a color scheme that feels modern yet somehow traditional.

Practical Scenes

In interior design, incorporating bean green into wallpaper, accent walls, cushions, and other fabrics brings a bright and refreshing atmosphere to a space. It pairs particularly well with wooden furniture and is suitable for creating a natural and relaxing living room, study, or children's room.

In the world of fashion, using this color in spring and summer blouses, skirts, and dresses brightens the complexion and gives a cheerful and youthful impression. Pairing it with white or beige creates an elegant look, while combining it with navy or gray allows for a sophisticated and urban style.

In web and graphic design, this style is effective when used on websites related to organic products, health, or the environment. It conveys a fresh and trustworthy image, giving users a sense of security and a positive impression.

FAQ

❓ What is the difference between bean green and matcha green?

Mame-midori is a bright, yellowish-green color resembling young beans, while matcha-iro is a deeper, more subdued, and muted green.

The impression conveyed by these colors differs: bean green evokes vitality and youthfulness, while matcha green evokes tranquility and a sense of Japanese aesthetics.

❓ What season does the color "bean green" remind you of?

Bean green is a color that is mainly associated with spring.

This color symbolizes the end of winter and the sprouting of new life, and is strongly associated with images of hope, growth, and youthfulness. It is a vibrant color that also evokes the fresh greenery of early summer.

❓ What does the color green represent in the Chinese Five Elements philosophy?

In the Five Elements philosophy, the color green belongs to the "wood" element and symbolizes the "east" direction and the "spring" season.

It is associated with growth, development, vitality, healing, and harmony, and is seen as a color that symbolizes positive energy that governs beginnings and regeneration.

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