Supplement to Tani Bunchō’s “Collection of Paintings of the Country” (1880)

The previous volume was that of Tani Bunchō’s students, but these are his own works.  In addition to blue representing everyday life, it can resemble purity and stability.  That is why blue is often seen on young women in Japan.

Blue, when used with red, is juxtaposition between stability and passion.  Red can be used to symbolize anger and blood, so it makes sense that dangerous creature are adorned with this color, such as the bull and the head of the dragon costume.