November 17th Color Calendar Black Kite
November 17th Color Calendar
Kurotobi (black kite)
"A color that hides heat within silence."
Kurotobi is a darker version of the reddish brown color. It has been used as a dye color since the early Edo period, and was popular as a stylish color for kosode (shoulder sleeves) and obi (sashes). The reddish black is not simply plain, but also conveys a sense of inner passion and dignity.
November 17th is the day when the weather deepens into Shimotsuki, the air gets colder and clearer, and the colors of the city begin to fade away. The Kurotobi blends into the seasonal background, yet still exudes a strong presence. Its color resonates with the reddish-brown of fallen leaves, the shadows of twilight, and the lingering scent of charcoal fires.
This color embodies the aesthetic sense of the Edo period. It avoids flashiness and values chic. Rather than showing it off, it is about letting it permeate. Kurotobi is a color that embodies this "invisible beauty." It is a heat in silence that is also connected to the sense of wabi-sabi.
"Modest strength" is an important theme in WABISUKE's philosophy. Kurotobi is a color that conveys meaning without words. It has the power to add depth to a space and tighten the margins of a story.
References
• What is Kurotobi? – The ABCs of Traditional Colors
• "Japanese Color Dictionary" by Shikosha • "Japanese Color Dictionary" by Visual Design Institute