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| Go-shiki
Kenjo symbolizes all phenomena in nature.Silk obi or sash
of Hakata-ori presented to the Shogunate during the Edo Period
became the prototype of Hakata-ori textile thereafter. |
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During the
Edo Period, the then feudal lord of the Fukuoka domain, Kuroda
Nagamasa, presented to the Shogunate a Hakata-ori obi of a
geometric design, in five individual colors of purple, green,
red, yellow and blue dyed by ancient dyeing method. This particular
design has been called kenjo (meaning dedication or presents
to the superior) and go-shiki means five colors.
In ancient Chinese philosophy, the five colors were related
to the principle of the five elements, wood, fire, earth,
metal and water, which constitute the base of all phenomena
in nature. In Japan the five colors correspond to the five
cardinal virtues of Confucianism: purple for righteousness,
green for benevolence, red for propriety, yellow for trust
and blue for wisdom.
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Righteousness
Purple (the root
of gromwell or Lithospermum erythrorhizon) is the color
of repose, grace and mystique. Considered to be the
color for high personages since ancient times. In ancient
China, it was the color of the gifts from the emperor.
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Benevolence
Green (Miscanthus
tinctorius, and Japanese indigo plant or Polygonum tinctorium)
is, in the doctrine of Yin and Yang and the five elements,
green corresponds to the east, and also to spring, the
first season of the year. This is also the color of
calmness and tranquility and symbolizes peace. |
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Propriety
Red (the root of
madder or Rubia condifolia) is derived from the rising
sun, and represents true sincerity, and also symbolizes
happiness and wealth.
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Trust
Yellow (the bark
of myrica or Myrica rubra) is the color of earth and
corresponds to the center of the 4 lines of the compass
in the doctrine of Yin and Yang and the five elements.
It symbolized unrelenting power of the emperor and its
use by any other was prohibited. |
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Wisdom
Blue (Japanese indigo
plant or Polygonum tinctorium) is a powerful and dignified
color representing confidence. Containing a reddish
hue within, this deep blue color gives the impression
of industrious and intellectual impression.
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| Note:
Inside the parenthesis are the dyestuffs used for reproduction of
Go-shiki Kenjo |
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