Indigo

The representative color of Japanese indigo dyeing, deep blue fermented from indigo

HEX#1E4478

RGBrgb(30, 68, 120)

HSLhsl(215, 60%, 29%)

HSVhsv(215, 75%, 47%)

CMYKcmyk(75%, 43%, 0%, 53%)

HEXA#1E4478FF

RGBArgba(30, 68, 120, 1)

HSLAhsla(215, 60%, 29%, 1)

OKLCHoklch(62.8%, 0.08, 247)

LCHlch(57%, 32.1, 254)

🎨 Color Palettes

Analogous2-3 adjacent hues (≤60°)

Triadic3 hues spaced 120° apart

Split ComplementaryMain color + colors adjacent to its complement

Complementary2 hues spaced 180° apart

Tetradic (Rectangle)4 hues forming a rectangle

MonochromaticSingle hue with varying saturation and lightness

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High Contrast Text

#CADBF2Ratio 6.9:1AA

Suitable for body text, headings, and primary content, ensuring readability for all users

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Standard Text

#AFA9EARatio 4.5:1AA

Suitable for regular body content, meeting WCAG AA standards

Aa14px Body

Large Text / UI Components

#B174DCRatio 3:1AA Large

Suitable for large text (≥18px bold or ≥24px), icons, UI component boundaries

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Decorative / Dividers

#CC3373Ratio 2:1Fail

Suitable for decorative elements, dividers, non-essential text

📊 Color Scales

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Lightness VariationFixed hue and saturation, stepwise lightness adjustment ±30%

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#132C4E

#1E4376

#285A9F

#3270C8

#588CD5

Saturation VariationFixed hue and lightness, stepwise saturation adjustment ±30%

#344660

#2C4568

#25446F

#1E4376

#16417E

#0F4085

#073F8D

Lightness + Saturation Mixed VariationSimultaneous lightness and saturation adjustment

#172436

#152338

#182F4E

#1E4071

#215297

#2263BF

#2875E2

Hue Fine-TuningFixed saturation and lightness, stepwise hue fine-tuning ±15°

#1E5976

#1E5176

#1E4A76

#1E4376

#1E3B76

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#1E2C76

💡 Use Cases

👘

Indigo Kimono

Traditional indigo-dyed Yukata or work clothes; breathable and antibacterial, suitable for summer wear, the simple look is classic attire for firework festivals.

🛏️

Futon Bedding

Japanese-style futons and pillowcases made from indigo-dyed cotton; natural antibacterial properties ensure cleanliness, while the deep blue creates a peaceful sleeping atmosphere.

🧵

Noren Curtains

Indigo-dyed Noren curtains hung at shop entrances; the blue-and-white family crest or shop logo flutters gently in the breeze, an iconic symbol of the Japanese streetscape.

🍶

Sake and Tableware

Artisan-made blue-glazed sake flasks and teacups, paired with sake and sashimi; the deep blue sets off the fresh color of the food.

📜 Origin & History

Indigo is the most core blue in the Japanese traditional color system. It originates from the fermented dye liquid of the indigo plant, called 'Sukumo' in Japan. This blue was introduced to Japan in the Jomon period, and by the Heian period, mature techniques had developed and were widely applied to commoner's clothing.

The Edo period was the golden age of blue. The Shogunate's sumptuary laws restricted commoners from wearing luxurious clothing, but indigo dyeing was exempt. Thus, blue became the most common color on the streets of Edo. From the samurai's 'kamishimo' to the merchant's 'hanten,' the shades of indigo recorded the aesthetics of various social classes.

Japanese indigo dyeing techniques are broadly divided into 'plain dyeing' and 'resist dyeing.' Among resist dyeing, 'Ise-katagami,' 'Bingata,' and 'Aigata' are the most famous. Artisans carved patterns into paper stencils, covered plain fabric with dye-resistant paste, and repeatedly dipped it into the indigo vat for oxidation, finally revealing exquisite blue-and-white patterns.

Indigo dyeing is also called 'Japan Blue' internationally. When Westerners first arrived in Japan after the Meiji Restoration, they were amazed by the street scenes of people clad in blue, hence the name. It elevated from a practical color to a cultural totem of the Japanese nation, representing the perfect fusion of handcraft and nature.

In modern times, Japanese indigo dyeing once declined due to the impact of chemical dyes. However, places like Tokushima Prefecture continue to uphold the traditional 'Sukumo' method. In 2019, indigo dyeing was designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan. It is not just a color, but a life philosophy of waiting for 'fermentation' and witnessing the change through 'oxidation'.

🧠 Color Psychology

Perseverance and EnduranceDeep indigo is only achieved after dozens of dips; this cumulative process teaches the virtue of persistence and enduring solitude.

Simple and HonestIts origin as a commoner's color prevents vanity and ostentation, returning one to the duty of being sincere and grounded.

Order and DisciplineBlue symbolizes order in Edo townsman culture, bringing a clear sense of behavioral boundaries and social role identity.

Silent IntrospectionThe calm blue tone reduces unnecessary chatter and turns one's focus inward to dialogue with oneself and consciously examine actions.

Artisan SpiritAssociated with the lifelong dedication of indigo dyers, it inspires the artisan's pursuit of excellence and perfection in professional skills.

Harmony with NaturePlant-fermented natural dye allows one to feel the rhythms of nature's cycles, fostering awe and integration into the flow of the natural world.

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