Japanese Carmine
HEX: #9D2933 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#9D2933
157, 41, 51
354°, 73% ,61%
0, 73.89, 67.52, 38.43
About Japanese Carmine
Japanese Carmine (#9D2933) is a color with RGB(157, 41, 51) and HSL(354.83°, 73.89%, 61.57%). 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 #299D93, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #339D29 and #29339D. The name comes from 臙脂色 (enji-iro) (Japanese).
- HEX: #9D2933
- RGB: 157, 41, 51
- HSL: 354.83°, 73.89%, 61.57%
- Mood: Energetic, Playful
- Style: Vivid, Warm
- Use case: Text, Button, Accent
- Complementary color: #299D93
- Triadic colors: #339D29, #29339D
- The name comes from 臙脂色 (enji-iro) (Japanese).
Live Components
Color Palettes
Japanese Carmine #9D2933 is used in Monochromatic, Neutral + Accent, Analogous, 3 + 1 + 1 palettes, giving designers ready-made combinations for backgrounds, surfaces, accents, and interface elements.
Color Harmonies
Japanese Carmine #9D2933 pairs with #299D93 as its complementary color, and #339D29 and #29339D in triadic combinations. These harmony relationships help create balanced color combinations for UI, branding, and design work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
The color 'enji-iro' in Japan traditionally referred to a deep red, often with a slight purplish or brownish undertone, derived from various natural sources. Historically, it was obtained from insects like cochineal (though not native to Japan, imported dyes were used) or from plant sources such as safflower (benibana) and madder. It was a highly valued color, especially for dyeing silk kimonos, cosmetics (like lipstick and rouge), and pigments for painting. During the Edo period, the range of red dyes expanded, and 'enji-iro' remained a popular and significant color, often associated with beauty and luxury. The modern hexadecimal #9d2933 represents a specific interpretation of this traditional color.
First Recorded Use
The color 'enji-iro' (carmine) has a long history in Japan, with its use for dyes and cosmetics dating back to ancient times. While the specific term 'Japanese Carmine' as a direct translation might be a modern Western descriptor for a particular shade, the underlying color 'enji-iro' was well-established by the Heian period, appearing in literature and art.
Cultural Associations
In Japanese culture, red colors, including carmine shades, hold significant meaning. They are often associated with vitality, passion, good fortune, and protection. 'Enji-iro' was particularly prominent in women's fashion and cosmetics, symbolizing elegance and allure. It was also used in traditional arts, textiles, and ceramics. The depth and richness of the color made it a favorite for formal attire and ceremonial objects. It can evoke a sense of classic Japanese aesthetics.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #9D2933;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #9D2933;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #9D2933;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#9D2933,
#55E5D9
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#9D2933,
#55E5D9
);
}// SCSS variable
$japanese-carmine: #9D2933;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$japanese-carmine-r: 157;
$japanese-carmine-g: 41;
$japanese-carmine-b: 51;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $japanese-carmine;
color: rgba($japanese-carmine-r, $japanese-carmine-g, $japanese-carmine-b, 0.8);
}