| Color name | Genten |
|---|---|
| reading | Genten |
| pinyin | xuantian |
| HEX | #3C3F41 |
| RGB | 60, 63, 65 |
What is Xuantian? Origin and etymology
"Genten" is a gray color that is almost black, representing the deep, immeasurable color of the sky before dawn when the light has not yet broken through. Its name is composed of two kanji characters: "Gen," which means something profound and immeasurable, and "Ten," which means sky or the universe.
This color is more than just a representation of color; it is deeply connected to the ancient Chinese worldview and philosophy, particularly the thought of Taoism. As symbolized by the phrase "Mystery upon mystery, the gate of all wonders" found in Lao Tzu's *Tao Te Ching*, "mystery" was the origin of all things and a concept referring to the very mystery of the universe. Therefore, Xuantian was seen as a color that evoked the chaotic state at the beginning of the world and the profound space that held infinite possibilities.
Historical background of Xuantian
"Xuan" (玄) was considered an extremely important color in ancient China. In the Five Elements philosophy, gen (black) is said to symbolize the north, winter, and "water," the source of all things.
In particular, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unify China, positioned his dynasty as a dynasty of water virtue and designated "black" as the most sacred color symbolizing the nation. It is said that as a result, everything from the emperor's ceremonial robes to the officials' uniforms and even the national flag was unified in black.
Even after the Han dynasty, the color black was used primarily in solemn occasions such as rituals and ceremonies as a symbol of authority and dignity. Furthermore, as Taoism developed, it became associated with the deity "Xuantian Shangdi," who refers to the Heavenly Emperor of the North, further deepening its religious significance.
Xuantian in Chinese Art and Crafts
Xuantian's profound aesthetic sense has influenced various fields of Chinese art. For example, in ink painting, where all things are depicted using only shades of ink, "Xuan" (玄) was an indispensable color for expressing the deepest darkness and the depth of space. It is not simply black, but a philosophical black that gives the viewer a sense of infinite expanse.
In the world of ceramics, the jet-black glaze found in black-glazed porcelain, particularly the Tenmoku tea bowls of Jian ware, which flourished during the Song dynasty, evokes a cosmic view of the mystical universe. The deep black that spreads within the bowl is as if the night sky has been condensed into one, imbuing it with tranquility and mystery.
In the context of clothing culture, as the term "gen'i kunshō" suggests, this color scheme has been used for formal attire since ancient times. It combines a black upper garment (gen'i) symbolizing the heavens with a reddish-yellow skirt (kunshō) symbolizing the earth, signifying the wearing of the order of heaven and earth.
Gen no Mata Gen, Shumyo no Mon.
Color scheme preview
This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.
Genten's color scheme proposal
赭石 (#AD4A39)
This combination evokes ancient palaces and murals, possessing a dignified and elegant character. The profoundness of Xuantian, combined with the warmth of Oseki, creates a color scheme that conveys a sense of historical depth and grandeur.
Tsukihaku (#EAF4FC)
This quiet and mystical color scheme evokes the moonlight (moon white) floating in the deep night sky (black sky). It is suitable for minimalist and sophisticated spaces and designs, and is expected to have a calming effect.
Pine flower (#B3D465)
It expresses the ethereal beauty of nature, like the darkness of a deep forest (Xuantian) and moss growing on rocks (Shanghua). It gives an elegant and intellectual impression, conveying a sense of life amidst tranquility.
Practical Scenes
With its dignified and intellectual atmosphere, the Genten can be used in a variety of modern settings.
In interior design, using it as an accent on the walls of a study, bedroom, or audio room adds depth and tranquility to the space. Combining it with bright colors like moon white or warm wood tones can create a modern and serendipitous atmosphere.
In fashion, incorporating it into coats, jackets, or formal dresses gives a sophisticated and mature impression. While it can sometimes look heavy when used alone, pairing it with gold or silver accessories adds elegance and sophistication.
In web and graphic design, using white or light gray as a background color can enhance content and effectively convey a sense of sophistication and expertise. Choosing white or light gray for text colors results in high readability and a stylish impression.