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Forbidden сolors | |
---|---|
RGB | Name |
#DD9159 | Sumac-dyed |
#6C9956 | Pale oak |
#E06351 | Sawtooth oak |
#FC7F31 | Ochre |
#561649 | Deep purple |
#FBB92D | Rich gardenia |
#A40522 | Deep scarlet |
#790505 | Sappanwood |
The system of forbidden colors (禁色, kinjiki) developed in Japan in the 8th century saw certain colors of traditional court clothing reserved for certain ranks of court official at the Imperial Court in Kyoto. The hierarchy of colors was developed under the Ritsuryō system.
Sumac dye (黄櫨染, kōrozen) was used only for the outerwear of the Emperor of Japan. It was banned for use by anyone except the Japanese monarch. To this day, the ceremonial clothes of the Emperor worn during the enthronement ceremony are dyed in this color, extracted from sumac ( Toxicodendron succedaneum), a Japanese wax tree.
Seven additional colors were installed in the 10th and 11th centuries:
During the Meiji period (1867–1911) of the 19th century, the ban was lifted from all colors except sumac, ochre and gardenia.