Colors in the waterMain MenuAna Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe0
Red
12017-04-14T07:01:44-07:00Ana Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe01562222plain2017-04-29T13:49:41-07:00Ana Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe0Red is a color of deep significance in cultures around the world, and in the context of Japan it is no different. Red is charged with meaning, at once a color used to denote sacredness in shrines and utilized to the full in dramatic application in kabuki, a classical Japanese theatrical production involving dance and drama. The dye used might be akane (madder root) for typical clothing or benibana (safflower) for more expensive garb. Vermilion (shu) has been used in lacquerware as well as in giving seals their distinctive coloring. The color confers elegance wherever it is shown.
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12017-04-28T07:07:23-07:00Ana Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe0Sake cup3Lacquer. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. Negoro-nuri refers to the vibrant red lacquer, which is often paired with an underlayer of black lacquer. Here, the red surface that is often left undecorated to showcase its intrinsic beauty is gilt with a scene of figures among bamboo. conferring luxury upon luxury.media/Sake cup.jpgplain2017-04-29T13:47:18-07:0020141216125501Laura SheaDigitization SpecialistMount Holyoke College Art Museum20141216125501Ana Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe0
12017-04-14T04:40:18-07:00Ana Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe0The Actor Danjûrô V in a Shibaraku Role3Katsukawa Shun-ei (1762-1819), ca. 1790. Color woodblock print on paper. Smith College Museum of Art. The kabuki actor pictured was actually made famous for the particular shade of brown that he favored, and so the shade came to be known as "Danjuro brown". Color has especial significance in kabuki, wherein it can be coded to the individual as well as to their symbolic associations.media/The Actor Danjuro V in a Shibaraku Role.jpgplain2017-04-29T13:48:55-07:00Ana Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe0
12017-04-27T19:10:42-07:00Ana Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe0Kinrande kogo (incense container)2Ono Hakuko (1915-1996), 1980s. Porcelain with enamel and gold leaf. Smith College Museum of Art. Incense, aside from being used in Buddhist ceremony, has also been used to perfume clothing. The gold leaf on this container is reminiscent of the gilding used to invoke the Pure Land in Buddhist art; however, it is also simply a luxurious material, as is the rich color of the red pigment.media/Ono Hakuko kinrande kogo.jpgplain2017-04-27T19:22:13-07:00All Reproduction Rights Are Reserved and RestrictedSMITH COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ARTNorthampton, MA 01063Registrar / Collection ManAna Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe0
12017-04-28T07:06:32-07:00Ana Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe0Meiji period uchikake2Late 19th to early 20th century. Embroidered silk. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The Meiji period saw the beginnings of a wildly prosperous era in Japan's history, and this outer garment with its rich red dye and embroidered chrysanthemums would have given the impression of no expense spared.media/Meiji period uchikake.jpgplain2017-04-28T09:23:06-07:00Greg HeinsAna Drinovanaa7464d947287799e70e60041b3dd733413ebbe0
