November 6th Color Calendar Light Persimmon

November 6th, Color Calendar: Usugaki

"Like ripe fruit, the seasons grow quietly sweet."

It's that time of year when the persimmons in the garden take on a soft color as they shine through in the sunlight. Today's color is "Usugaki" -- a soft orange that reminds one of the flesh of a ripe persimmon.

This color evokes the warmth of the light that shines in at the end of autumn. It's neither too strong nor too pale, just the right amount of gentleness. The weight of a persimmon in your hand, the sweetness that lingers on your tongue, and the quiet air that surrounds it all blend together in this color.

The light persimmon is not flashy, but rather has a nutritious beauty. It is a poetic color that is part of everyday life, reminiscent of folk art pottery and the scenery of dried persimmons.

If you are giving a gift to someone today, try adding this color. It will surely convey a kindness that cannot be put into words.

References

• "Traditional Japanese Colors" by Shikosha • "Japanese Color Handbook" edited by the Plant Dyeing Research Group • "Light Persimmon Color" — irocore.com
• "Dictionary of the Color Names of the Four Seasons" Kodansha