The Influence of Pigment Availability on the Evolution of Color Systems in Ancient East Asia

The color systems of ancient East Asia were deeply rooted in philosophical concepts and symbolic frameworks, particularly shaped by the theory of the Five Elements (Wu Xing). These systems evolved uniquely within each country—China, Korea, and Japan—through localized interpretations and material conditions. This study explores the relationship between the transformation of color symbolism and the availability of pigments in ancient East Asia, focusing on the usage and substitution of key pigments: red, green, and blue. Special attention is given to the replacement of lapis lazuli with azurite in China, the restricted use of blue pigments in Korea, and Japan’s earlier adoption of azurite compared to the Korean Peninsula. Through an extensive review of literature and archaeological evidence, this research empirically examines how pigment availability, technological limitations, and trade dynamics influenced the development of symbolic color systems. The findings suggest that the evolution of color symbolism was not a mere conceptual transmission but a dynamic process shaped by material accessibility, economic factors, and sociopolitical contexts. This research will provide new empirical insights into the fluid adaptation of East Asian color systems and contribute to a deeper understanding of the cultural history of pigments and color.