Color Palette Inspiration: Ryoan-ji, Kyoto, Japan

This month’s color palette inspiration comes to you guys from Kyoto! A few years ago I traveled to the wonderful former capital of Japan and visited several of the famous temples scattered all over the city. My now husband and I stayed in traditional ryokan, ate amazing food and even partook in a Japanese Tea Ceremony (after being taught the essential dos and don’ts!). 

One of my favorite places was Ryōan-ji, a zen Buddhist temple with a famous rock garden, said to have been built in the 15th century. The garden—part of which is shown in my photo below—features fifteen rocks scattered atop perfectly raked gravel. The arrangement is such that you cannot view all 15 rocks at the same time (14 max!), a layout designed to incite meditation. 

Though not much of a meditator myself, I absolutely loved sitting on the wooden steps in front of the garden in a contemplative state! It was a beautiful early spring day, with crisp air and a cool breeze, and a beautiful array of warm hues from the trees, to the rocks and the stained wall behind it.

I hope you enjoy this bit of inspiration! Color values are listed below the image for your convenience!

Grey

RGB
205 212 222

CMYK
18 11 7 0

#CDD4DE

Moss

RGB
188 187 167

CMYK
28 21 35 0

#BCBBA7

Green

RGB
77 115 104

CMYK
72 39 58 17

#4d7368

Indigo

RGB
69 63 87

CMYK
75 74 43 33

#453f57

Mauve

RGB
162 119 113

CMYK
35 54 50 8

#a27771

Pink

RGB
285 184 182

CMYK
15 22 28 0

#d7b8b6

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