Tang Red

Deep red introduced from China, a famous color in waka poetry celebrating autumn leaves

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RGBrgb(199, 59, 59)

HSLhsl(0, 56%, 51%)

HSVhsv(0, 70%, 78%)

CMYKcmyk(0%, 70%, 70%, 22%)

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RGBArgba(199, 59, 59, 1)

HSLAhsla(0, 56%, 51%, 1)

OKLCHoklch(71.8%, 0.119, 20)

LCHlch(65.6%, 32.9, 23)

🎨 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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Standard Text

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Large Text / UI Components

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Decorative / Dividers

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📊 Color Scales

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

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

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Lightness + Saturation Mixed VariationSimultaneous lightness and saturation adjustment

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

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💡 Use Cases

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Nishijin Obi

A Tang red Nishijin brocade obi is standard for bridal furisode. Gold weaving and Tang red intertwine—a single piece that can be passed down for three generations.

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Noh Costumes

Tang red woven Noh costumes paired with young woman or celestial maiden masks: profoundly elegant and magnificent on stage, the pinnacle of Noh beauty.

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Autumn Leaves Waka

Tang red poem cards used for composing waka, brushed in front of autumn leaves—this is the ultimate refinement for the Japanese literati.

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Tale of Genji Scrolls

Reproductions of illustrated scrolls featuring Tang red robes are prized by classical literature enthusiasts, a revival of the Heian court's splendor.

📜 Origin & History

Tang red means the red color that came from Tang Dynasty China. Envoys brought back safflower seeds and dyeing techniques; Tang red became the most highly regarded exotic color of the Heian period.

Tang red was deeper and more vivid than Japan's native red, an extravagant color fiercely pursued by Heian nobles. The 'Tale of Genji' frequently features clothes in Tang red; Murasaki Shikibu used this color to highlight the nobility of women.

In waka poetry, Tang red is the representative color of autumn. In the 'Kokin Wakashū', Tang red and 'kurenai' leaves are synonymous. Ariwara no Narihira famously sang of water swirling around Tang red leaves—Tang red is the most intense expression of autumn in poetry.

Noh master Zeami, in his treatise 'Fūshikaden', discussed the stage effects of Tang red. Tang red costumes were particularly eye-catching on the dimly lit Noh stage, the best color pairing for Noh masks.

Modern Tang red is preserved in kimono and traditional crafts. A Tang red Nishijin brocade obi from Kyoto is a top-tier formal sash, taking over half a year to weave and worth millions of yen.

🧠 Color Psychology

Exotic AllureTang red carries the magnificent memories of the flourishing Tang Dynasty. It is the color of longing and admiration for continental civilization in ancient Japan.

Deep Autumn PassionTang red is the ultimate expression of autumn leaves in waka. That final touch of deepest red at the peak of the season is the zenith of autumn.

Heian RefinementThe rustle of Tang red robes in the 'Tale of Genji' seems audible. This color is the admission ticket to the refined life of the Heian court.

Stage BrillianceTang red costumes leap and shine under the Noh stage lights. This splash of red is the performer's secret weapon for captivating the audience.

Top-Tier CraftsmanshipWeaving a Nishijin Tang red obi requires over six months. Tang red condenses the ultimate skill and aesthetics of Japanese artisans.

Soul of PoetryTang red appears most frequently among reds in Japanese waka. A thousand years of poetic soul is condensed in this deep red.

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