Cultural Story
Yamabuki Gold
Yamabuki Gold comes from the golden yellow kerria flower. A famous Edo period story tells of a samurai who visited a merchant's daughter to borrow money. She replied "yamabuki..." which he interpreted as the flower, but she meant "one sho" (a unit, homophone with yamabuki)—a pun still in Japanese textbooks today.
Origin
Named after the golden yellow of the yamabuki (kerria) flower, dyed with turmeric or gardenia.
Symbolism
Yamabuki Gold symbolizes spring's arrival, prosperity, and happiness.
Historical Origin
Yamabuki Gold was used as a color name in the Heian period and became popular among commoners in the Edo period.
Traditional Applications
Textile
Painting
Ceremony
Related Poems
七重八重花は咲けども山吹の実のひとつだに無きぞ悲しき