Brownish Red

Brownish red is the stunning result after lacquer solidifies. Seven thousand years ago, the ancestors of China's Hemudu culture discovered that lacquer tree sap oxidizes into a hard brownish-red film, leading to the creation of vermilion lacquer wooden bowls. Since then, brownish red has been tightly bound to Chinese ritual civilization.

The most expensive dye in the ancient Persian Empire came from madder root. Through a complex mordanting process, carpets and royal robes achieved a brilliant yet steady brownish red, known as Turkey Red. Sold along the Silk Road to Rome at prices rivaling gold, it symbolized power and extravagance.

In the Kabuki theaters of Japan's Edo period, brownish red was the color of actors' showpieces. Although commoners were forbidden from wearing bright red, brownish red kimonos dyed with persimmon tannin were considered 'brown.' Thus, the populace danced wildly at the edge of prohibition, expressing suppressed worldly desires and aesthetic rebellion.

In 19th-century England, William Morris, leader of the Arts and Crafts movement, was deeply fond of brownish red botanical patterns. The brownish red honeysuckle wallpapers and textiles he designed, with their rich naturalistic style, countered poor-quality machine replication, making brownish red the banner of the handcraft revival.

In modern cities, brownish red shines on lipsticks and sneakers. Vintage brick-red shade lipsticks and retro sneaker colorways paying homage to Michael Jordan's Bulls era mean, in the eyes of trendsetters, that brownish red is flowing hot blood and undying youthful spirit.