Crimson

Deep red with purple undertones, noble hue used for ceremonial robes and curtains in ancient times

HEX#8C4356
RGBrgb(140, 67, 86)
HSLhsl(344, 35%, 41%)
HSVhsv(344, 52%, 55%)
CMYKcmyk(0%, 52%, 39%, 45%)
HEXA#8C4356FF
RGBArgba(140, 67, 86, 1)
HSLAhsla(344, 35%, 41%, 1)
OKLCHoklch(69.9%, 0.071, 359)
LCHlch(64.1%, 18, 345)

🎨 Color Palettes

Analogous2-3 adjacent hues (≤60°)
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#8D447C
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#8C4356
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#8D5544
Triadic3 hues spaced 120° apart
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#8C4356
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#578D44
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#44578D
Split ComplementaryMain color + colors adjacent to its complement
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#8C4356
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#448D55
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#447C8D
Complementary2 hues spaced 180° apart
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#8C4356
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#448D7A
Tetradic (Rectangle)4 hues forming a rectangle
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#8C4356
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#7C8D44
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#448D7A
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#55448D
MonochromaticSingle hue with varying saturation and lightness
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#030202
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#48232D
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#8C4356
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#BE798B
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#E0BEC7

♿ WCAG Contrast Colors

Learn More →
Aa14px Body
High Contrast Text
#FFFFFFRatio 6.9:1AA
Suitable for body text, headings, and primary content, ensuring readability for all users
Aa14px Body
Standard Text
#E3CCC4Ratio 4.5:1AA
Suitable for regular body content, meeting WCAG AA standards
Aa14px Body
Large Text / UI Components
#BDAA75Ratio 3:1AA Large
Suitable for large text (≥18px bold or ≥24px), icons, UI component boundaries
Aa14px Body
Decorative / Dividers
#5E9749Ratio 2:1Fail
Suitable for decorative elements, dividers, non-essential text
Lightness VariationFixed hue and saturation, proportional lightness scaling 30%→100%
#29141ACopy
#3B1C24Copy
#4C242FCopy
#5D2D3ACopy
#6B3342Copy
#7C3C4DCopy
#8D4457Copy
Saturation VariationFixed hue and lightness, proportional saturation scaling 40%→100%
#775A62Copy
#7B5660Copy
#7F535ECopy
#834E5CCopy
#864B5BCopy
#8A4759Copy
#8D4457Copy
Lightness + Saturation Mixed VariationSimultaneous lightness and saturation proportional scaling
#221B1DCopy
#322528Copy
#432D33Copy
#55353DCopy
#643A45Copy
#783F4FCopy
#8D4457Copy
Hue Fine-TuningFixed saturation and lightness, stepwise hue fine-tuning ±15°
#8D446ACopy
#8D4464Copy
#8D445ECopy
#8D4457Copy
#8D4451Copy
#8D444BCopy
#8D4445Copy

💡 Use Cases

👑

Hanfu Ceremonial Robes

Exclusive hue for premium Hanfu and Chinese formal wear, inheriting the noble crimson tradition originating from the Zhou Dynasty.

🖌️

Scholar’s Desk Wares

Palette for crimson lacquer boxes and ink paste, recreating refined aesthetic of Song literati desks.

🏮

Palace Scenery

Classic color for palace drapes and gauze lanterns in historical costume dramas, recreating the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.

🎁

Premium Cultural Merchandise

Color scheme for limited-edition Guochao gift boxes, conveying profound cultural heritage via crimson tones.

📜 Origin & History

Crimson held prominent status within traditional Chinese color systems. The Chinese character jiang originally meant scarlet silk fabric, later specifically referring to precious deeply dyed textiles tinged with purple. Records confirm crimson was used for sacrificial robes as early as *The Rites of Zhou*.

Crimson became official court wear for high-ranking officials in the Han Dynasty. Crimson-purple robes required repeated dyeing to achieve sufficient depth; the complex craftsmanship made them costly, reserved for nobles and dignitaries.

Crimson reached its peak in the Tang Dynasty. Crimson gauze lanterns, crimson drapes and crimson screens adorned palaces and aristocratic mansions, forming one of the foundational color tones embodying Tang grandeur.

Crimson gradually entered literati life during the Song Dynasty. Crimson lacquer boxes and crimson ink paste became refined desk ornaments for scholars, earning cultural appreciation within elegant literati aesthetics.

Crimson has experienced a revival alongside the Hanfu movement and Guochao design today. Designers rediscover its noble heritage and apply it to neo-Chinese ceremonial attire and premium cultural merchandise.

🧠 Color Psychology

Elegant NobilityCrimson carries innate aristocratic lineage, once an exclusive color reserved only for highest-ranking figures millennia ago.
Mysterious DepthPurple undertones prevent this red from being overly straightforward, adding layered mystery worthy of contemplation.
Solemn DignityCrimson served as formal color for ancient sacrifices and imperial audiences; it naturally brings ritual gravity and solemnity.
Understated LuxuryIts opulence is restrained rather than ostentatious — cultivated wealth, not flashy nouveau riche display.
Cultural ConfidenceCrimson is an original Chinese color creation, embodying firm faith in traditional cultural values.
Profound SentimentCrimson rarely reveals emotions casually, yet its affections run deeper than any red once expressed.