| Color name | Rin Qing |
|---|---|
| reading | Seisei |
| pinyin | jiqing |
| HEX | #253D5A |
| RGB | 37, 61, 90 |
What is "Ji Qing"? Origin and etymology
"Seisei," as its name suggests, is a deep, serene indigo blue that reflects the color of a clear sky after the rain.
The kanji character "霁" means that the rain or snow has stopped and the sky has cleared. This single character encapsulates the scene of a clear sky peeking through the gaps in the clouds after a long period of rain has ended. In other words, "霁青" is not simply a shade of blue, but a color name that embodies poetic imagery such as hope and tranquility, and has a narrative quality to it.
Historical background of the sage
The color of sleezzae (a type of porcelain) first appeared on the historical stage during the Ming Dynasty, particularly during the reign of Emperor Xuande (1426-1435). It is said that Emperor Xuande ordered the reproduction of this "color of the sky after the rain" for porcelain used in the sacrifice ceremony at the Temple of Heaven.
In response to this order, the potters at the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln went through trial and error and finally perfected the "Jiqing glaze," which possessed the ideal blue color. It is also called "Jilan glaze" because it was used in rituals. Achieving this color consistently required precise control of the amount of cobalt oxide in the glaze, as well as the temperature and oxygen level during firing, making the technique extremely advanced.
Therefore, porcelain with a blue glaze was extremely rare and considered the finest quality item for the imperial court. In the subsequent Qing dynasty, emperors such as Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong were captivated by the beauty of this color and created numerous masterpieces, using Ming dynasty works as models.
The art of Chinese art and crafts
The art form most deeply associated with "Sijing" is undoubtedly the world of ceramics. Porcelain with "Sijing glaze" produced during the Ming and Qing dynasties is considered a treasure in the history of Chinese ceramics. Its deep, captivating blue color is likened to the gemstone sapphire, and it also has the beautiful alternative name of "gem blue."
The vessels primarily take the form of ritual objects such as vases, plates, and bowls, but their uniform, deep colors quietly enhance the inherent beauty of the objects themselves. Occasionally, a luxurious decorative technique called "seisei-byokin" is used, in which patterns of dragons, phoenixes, and other motifs are painted in gold on top of this deep blue, resulting in magnificent works that fuse stillness and movement.
In the context of clothing culture, this deep indigo color is thought to convey a sense of calm and dignity, and is therefore believed to have been used in the official uniforms and ceremonial attire worn by high-ranking officials.
Color scheme preview
This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.
Color scheme proposal for sleight of hand
Tsukihaku (#EAEBE6)
Combining a hazy blue reminiscent of a rainy night sky with a moon-white color evoking quiet moonlight creates a remarkably serene and noble impression. The two colors complement each other, creating a refined and sophisticated space.
Akika (#D9B612)
By combining the deep blue of Shibi-sei with the yellow of Akika, which symbolizes the bountiful autumn harvest, a warmth and richness are added to the intellectual and calm atmosphere. It is a classical and dignified color scheme.
Silver vermilion (#E44D27)
By adding a vibrant, life-giving silver vermilion as an accent to a calming blue, a powerful contrast is created. It's a modern and striking combination, a color scheme that will leave a lasting impression on the viewer.
Practical Scenes
In interior design, incorporating jasmine (a type of ochre) into wallpaper for studies and bedrooms, or into fabrics such as sofas and curtains, brings a sense of calm and depth to the space. Combining it with gold lighting, picture frames, and moon-white accessories creates a sophisticated and refined atmosphere.
In the world of fashion, a coat or dress in dark blue is an item that can express intelligence and elegance with just one piece. It is versatile and can be worn in a wide range of situations, from business to formal occasions. Adding a silver-red scarf or an autumn-colored bag as an accent color will allow you to enjoy a more individual and stylish look.
In web and graphic design, using white as a background color can effectively convey trustworthiness and expertise. It is particularly suitable for websites of financial institutions, law firms, and technology companies, as the contrast with white text provides high visibility and gives an impression of integrity.