Japanese Indigo
HEX: #264348 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#264348
38, 67, 72
188°, 47% ,28%
47.22, 6.94, 0, 71.76
About Japanese Indigo
Japanese Indigo (#264348) is a color with RGB(38, 67, 72) and HSL(188.82°, 47.22%, 28.24%). In design, it fits Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Logo. Its complementary color is #482B26, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #482643 and #434826. The name comes from 藍 (ai) (Japanese).
- HEX: #264348
- RGB: 38, 67, 72
- HSL: 188.82°, 47.22%, 28.24%
- Style: Cool
- Use case: Text, Button, Logo
- Complementary color: #482B26
- Triadic colors: #482643, #434826
- The name comes from 藍 (ai) (Japanese).
Live Components
Color Palettes
Color Harmonies
Complementary
The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.
Analogous
Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Triadic
Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.
Split-Complementary
Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.
Tetradic (Square)
Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.
Monochromatic
Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.
Shades & Tints
A seamless scale of #264348 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
Japanese Indigo, primarily derived from the plant *Persicaria tinctoria* (formerly *Polygonum tinctorium*), has a rich history in Japan. It was introduced from China and became a staple for dyeing textiles, particularly cotton and silk. The traditional fermentation process to create 'sukumo' (composted indigo leaves) is a highly skilled craft, developed over centuries. During the Edo Period, indigo dyeing flourished, becoming integral to everyday clothing (kimono, workwear) due to its vibrant blue color, durability, and perceived insect-repellent and antibacterial properties. Different shades of blue, from light 'asagi' to deep 'kon', were achieved. The Meiji Restoration (1868) saw a decline with the introduction of synthetic dyes, but a resurgence of interest in natural dyes and traditional crafts has occurred in recent decades.
First Recorded Use
The use of indigo for dyeing in Japan dates back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence from the Nara Period. The specific cultivation of *Persicaria tinctoria* (Japanese Indigo) and its use became more widespread and refined during the Edo Period (1603-1868).
Cultural Associations
Indigo blue holds significant cultural importance in Japan. It is often associated with 'Japan Blue' and is seen as a color of resilience, tradition, and natural beauty. The craft of indigo dyeing (aizome) is considered a valuable cultural heritage. Many regional variations and techniques exist, and master dyers are highly respected. Indigo-dyed fabrics are not only aesthetically pleasing but also valued for their practical qualities, such as resistance to fading and their cooling effect in summer. It is also used in traditional Japanese art and crafts.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #264348;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #264348;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #264348;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#264348,
#6A3026
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#264348,
#6A3026
);
}// SCSS variable
$japanese-indigo: #264348;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$japanese-indigo-r: 38;
$japanese-indigo-g: 67;
$japanese-indigo-b: 72;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $japanese-indigo;
color: rgba($japanese-indigo-r, $japanese-indigo-g, $japanese-indigo-b, 0.8);
}