[Explanation of a color]

Here is the English translation of your revised text, including the final summary: Urumi-iro (潤色) refers to a deep, subdued blue with a hint of black. This is an old color name, appearing in the Unpo Iroha-shu (運歩色葉集), a Japanese dictionary from the Muromachi period (1548). The word “urumi” (潤み) conveys a sense of moisture and calmness, giving an impression of a slightly glossy, subdued hue. As a result, the term “urumi-iro” directly translates to “moist, subdued color.” However, the word “urumi” also carries opposite meanings, such as “clouded” or “dull,” which has led to its use in describing colors with a muted, less vibrant appearance.

Additionally, “urumi-iro” is sometimes referred to simply as “urumi”, but the deep, subdued red known as “urumi-shu” (潤朱) is also called “urumi.” Due to this overlap, it is important to determine the intended color based on context.

Furthermore, when pronounced as “junshoku” (潤色), the term does not refer to a color but carries entirely different meanings, such as “re-dyeing faded garments,” “exaggerating or embellishing facts,” “moistening or revitalizing,” “mediating or negotiating,” “adding or amending,” “special cases or exceptions,” and “covering expenses.” Over time, it has been used in a variety of contexts.

As an aside, in the dialect of Shiga Prefecture, “urubi-iro” refers to a dark purple color.

Due to its deep and subdued tone, as well as the multiple meanings of the word “urumi,” and its overlap with “urumi-shu,” urumi-iro can be considered a difficult color name to interpret and use correctly.

-read: Urumi-iro-