What is Sansei? An explanation of the origin, history, and color scheme of this traditional Chinese color.

What is Sansei? Origin and etymology

Sansei is a color name derived from a beautiful blue pigment made by crushing the mineral azurite.

This pigment is made through a process called "elutriation," in which the raw material ore is crushed and refined in water while impurities are removed. During this process, the colors are separated according to the weight of the particles. The bright and deep "Tosei" is obtained from the heaviest and coarsest particles, followed by "Nisei," and this "Sansei" is produced from the lightest and finest particles.

The number "three" indicates that it is the third grade in this refining process. Compared to Tou-sei and Ni-sei, San-sei is characterized by its slightly lighter, calmer, and softer hue.

Historical background of Sanqing

Azurite, the raw material for Sanqing (three-blue pigment), has been used worldwide as a valuable pigment since ancient times. In China in particular, this color played an important role in the "blue-green landscape" painting style established during the Tang Dynasty.

In blue-green landscape paintings, blue pigments such as sekiryoku (a green pigment made from malachite), also a mineral pigment, were used to vividly depict the grandeur of nature and utopian worlds. Because mineral pigments are resistant to fading, even works that are over a thousand years old still retain their vibrant colors.

Court painters of the Ming and Qing dynasties also highly valued the vibrancy and longevity of this pigment, and favored using it in important works. The subdued tones of Sanqing are suitable for depicting distant mountains, skies, and flowing water, bringing depth and tranquility to paintings.

Sanqing in Chinese Art and Crafts

The art form most closely associated with Sanqing is undoubtedly Chinese painting, particularly blue-green landscape painting. Wang Ximeng's "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" from the Northern Song dynasty is a well-known example, and in such works, not only Sanqing but also Touqing and Erqing are skillfully used, resulting in a rich expression of color gradations. It is believed that Sanqing was used to express more delicate and subdued details.

In the world of ceramics, similar mineral pigments were sometimes used in "overglaze painting," a technique where designs are painted on top of the glaze, particularly to express blue in five-color designs. However, mineral pigments are not typically used as dyes for fabrics because their large particles do not easily penetrate the fibers. It is said that they were sometimes used partially as pigments to draw patterns on clothing.

Color scheme preview

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

Three-blue color scheme proposal

Practical Scenes

In interior design, incorporating the color Sanqing (three blues) into accent walls, sofas, cushions, etc., brings an intellectual calmness and depth to the space. Combining it with white, beige, and wood tones creates a quiet and comfortable atmosphere.

In fashion, incorporating this color into coats, jackets, and suits creates a dignified and refined atmosphere. It pairs well with high-quality materials such as silk and wool, giving a sophisticated impression. Matching it with accessories in ochre or autumnal colors is also a lovely idea.

In web and graphic design, it is effective when you want to convey trustworthiness and expertise. By using it as a background color or key color, you can create a sense of security for the user and help them focus on the content.

FAQ