Coral

The name 'Coral' originates from the precious coral of the Mediterranean and East Asian seas. Ancient Romans believed coral branches could ward off evil and protect children, grinding them into pigment for frescoes depicting mythological scenes; its gentle pink-orange traces are still visible in the ruins of Pompeii.

In the East, coral is deeply associated with the Seven Treasures of Buddhism. The Tang Dynasty court crafted jewelry from coral, and the Shosoin Repository in Japan houses a coral Ruyi scepter from the Nara period. The color coral was imbued with auspicious and luxurious cultural meanings due to the material's rarity.

In the 19th century, Impressionist painter Renoir extensively used coral for skin tones in female portraits, replacing traditional pale bases to give figures a healthy, life-like glow. This blend of warm and cool tones became an ideal choice for depicting bodily warmth.

Entering the 20th century, coral was discovered by interior designers. Its ability to reflect both warm and cool light led to its extensive use in hotel lobbies and spa spaces, creating a perfect sense of intimacy and relaxation.

In 2019, when Pantone named Living Coral its Color of the Year, coral garnered unprecedented attention. Against the backdrop of the ecological crisis of coral bleaching, it simultaneously conveys warmth, vitality, and an underlying concern for environmental change, becoming a color symbol carrying social issues.