Indian Yellow
HEX: #E3A857 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#E3A857
227, 168, 87
34°, 71% ,61%
0, 26, 62, 11
About Indian Yellow
Indian Yellow (#E3A857) is a color with RGB(227, 168, 87) and HSL(34.7°, 71.4%, 61.6%). It is commonly associated with Energetic, Playful moods. In design, it fits Vivid, Warm styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Accent. Its complementary color is #5792E3, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #57E3A8 and #A857E3. The name comes from Indian Yellow (English).
- HEX: #E3A857
- RGB: 227, 168, 87
- HSL: 34.7°, 71.4%, 61.6%
- Mood: Energetic, Playful
- Style: Vivid, Warm
- Use case: Text, Button, Accent
- Complementary color: #5792E3
- Triadic colors: #57E3A8, #A857E3
- The name comes from Indian Yellow (English).
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 #E3A857 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
Indian Yellow was a vibrant, transparent, and lightfast yellow pigment that gained popularity in European art during the late 18th and 19th centuries. Its exact origin and manufacturing process were a mystery to Europeans for a long time. It was eventually discovered that the pigment was produced in rural India, specifically in the Munger district of Bihar, from the urine of cows fed exclusively on mango leaves and water. The urine was collected, heated, and the resulting yellow precipitate (magnesium euxanthate) was formed into balls or cakes and dried over a fire. These balls were then exported. Due to concerns about animal cruelty and the nutritional deprivation of the cows, the production of genuine Indian Yellow was banned in India in the early 20th century (around 1908-1921, sources vary). Modern 'Indian Yellow' paints are now made from synthetic organic pigments that mimic the hue and transparency of the original.
First Recorded Use
Circa 1780s (as a pigment in Europe)
Cultural Associations
The pigment was highly valued by artists for its unique warm, glowing quality and transparency, making it ideal for glazes and capturing light effects. It was used by prominent artists like J.M.W. Turner, Vincent van Gogh, and John Singer Sargent. The exotic and somewhat mysterious origin added to its allure. The ethical concerns surrounding its production highlight a historical intersection of art materials, trade, and animal welfare.
Similar Named Colors
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #E3A857;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #E3A857;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #E3A857;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#E3A857,
#5792E3
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#E3A857,
#5792E3
);
}// SCSS variable
$indian-yellow: #E3A857;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$indian-yellow-r: 227;
$indian-yellow-g: 168;
$indian-yellow-b: 87;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $indian-yellow;
color: rgba($indian-yellow-r, $indian-yellow-g, $indian-yellow-b, 0.8);
}