[Explanation of a color]

Mizu-Asagi refers to a pale bluish-green color with a slight greenish tint. It is a dye color achieved through indigo dyeing, and the color name “Asagi” (浅葱) refers to “Asagi-iro” (浅葱色), which literally means “a bluish Asagi color.”

The dyeing method for Mizu-Asagi is mentioned in historical documents such as Manmonsho Hiden (萬聞書秘傳) and Konya Isaburo Mihon (紺屋伊三郎見本), suggesting that the color originated sometime between the early and mid-Edo period. While there are no records of it being a major fashion trend, it likely spread under the influence of Asagi-iro and its derivative colors, which frequently gained popularity after the Genroku era.

In the color chart of Tekagami Moyō Setsuyō (手鑑模様節用) from the late Edo period, Mizu-Asagi is described as “commonly referred to as Nozoki-iro or Kame-nozoki,” equating it with “Nozoki-iro” (覗色) and “Kame-nozoki” (甕覗). However, in practice, Kame-nozoki is much lighter and has a stronger bluish tone compared to Mizu-Asagi.

On a side note, Mizu-Asagi was also used as the color of prison uniforms in the Edo period. A senryū (comic poem) from that era includes the line, “Even the boss wore Mizu-Asagi,” highlighting that it was the designated color for garments worn by convicts.

-read: Mizuasagi-