Kuretake Meiji No Iro Ink

EBICHA（葡萄茶）

In the Meiji era, Purple was considered a noble color used only by the aristocracy. Since people were afraid of using Purple, “EBICHA” was often used instead of traditional Purple. EBICHA also became a popular color for Hakama (Japanese traditional pants) intended for female students.

ARAISHU（洗朱）

In the latter half of the Meiji era, cherishing Japanese culture and traditional Japanese-style colors was a new development. One of those colors is “Araishu”, which is a bright vermillion color that looks slightly washed, or a light vermillion color.

SHIMBASHI-IRO（新橋色）

In the late Meiji era, new colors were born with the creation of chemical dyes. “Shimbashi” is the name of a place found in Tokyo. The bright, bluish-green color was popular among “Geisha” in Shimbashi as it was fashionable and trendy.

KUROGANEIRO（鉄色）

“KUROGANEIRO” became popular during the middle of the Meiji era into the Taisho era. This color is characterized by a dark, dull, bluish green color, and was often used as the color for store clerk aprons.

KUJAKURYOKU（孔雀緑）

“KUJAKURYOKU” was introduced by the West during the Meiji era. It is a bright, bluish-green, like the beautiful feathers found in peacock wings. Peacocks have been loved in Japan since ancient times, and it is said that the recognition of the common people increased during the Edo period.

SHIKON（紫紺）

Meiji era is also called “the purple era” because purple or light purple was often used in women’s clothing as a chic or cool color. Shikon “Purple” has been a trendy color since the Meiji era.