What Color is Chinese red
Chinese red is a deep, earthy red with a strong orange undertone. It represents the traditional aesthetic of imperial China and remains a timeless staple in global design.
What color is opposite Chinese red?
The opposite color to Chinese red is Eastern Blue (#1e90a9).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #1E90A9
- Brightness: 87/255
- Saturation: 82%
Colors That Pair Well With Chinese red
Complementary
Pair with Eastern Blue for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Viking for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Chinese red History
Historically, this shade was derived from cinnabar, a toxic mineral known as mercury sulfide. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), it became the hallmark of high-status lacquerware and religious scrolls. It was the color of the elite, used extensively in the architectural finishes of the Forbidden City to denote wealth and power.
By the 18th century, the color gained international fame through the Chinoiserie movement in Europe. Western artists were fascinated by the vermilion ink used for imperial seals and the unique pigment consistency found in Eastern art. This specific hex code approximates the aged, slightly oxidized look of traditional Chinese mineral paints.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this color evokes prosperity and strong luck. In Chinese culture, it is the primary color for celebrations because it is believed to ward off evil and invite good fortune. It feels more grounded and authoritative than bright scarlet, offering a sense of history rather than immediate emergency.
It also signals social connection and warmth. When used in interiors, it creates a sense of intimacy and security. It acts as a powerful stimulant for conversation and appetite, making it a favorite for dining environments and communal spaces.
In Nature
In the natural world, this specific hue is found in the mineral cinnabar, which is the primary source of the pigment. It also appears in the autumn leaves of certain maple trees and the vibrant feathers of the red-crowned crane's cap. You can also see it in the oxide layers of weathered iron ores and certain desert clays found in the Danxia landforms.
How To Use Chinese red
For designers, Chinese red works best as a sophisticated accent rather than a primary background. It pairs exceptionally well with charcoal, gold, or cream to create a luxurious and balanced palette. Because of its medium-dark value, ensure high legibility when placing text over it, preferring white or metallic shades.
In digital interfaces, use this color for call-to-action buttons that need to feel important but not alarming. It provides a heritage feel to branding, suggesting stability and long-term prestige. Always check accessibility for users with color blindness, as its earthy undertone can sometimes blend into dark brown backgrounds.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Imperial Majesty
A classic, high-contrast palette reflecting the opulence of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Silk Road
Muted, travel-inspired tones that balance the heat of the red with cool and neutral earth shades.
Modern Lacquer
A sleek, contemporary take using grayscale to make the Chinese red pop.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #AA381E;
color: rgb(170, 56, 30);
background-color: #AA381E;
border: 3px solid #AA381E;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #AA381E66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #AA381E 0%, #ffffff 100%);
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
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- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
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Eco Credentials
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What Goes With Chinese red?
Explore color palettes containing Chinese red and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Triadic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Prismacolor
Carmine Red
#PC926 • #DB3129
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Russet
#065 • #C03E2C
Prismacolor
Raspberry
#PC1030 • #A31719
Polychromos
deep red
#223 • #E42F44
Polychromos
scarlet red
#118 • #E84D47
Similar Colors
View all Red colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Chinese red
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Chinese red?
What colors go with Chinese red?
Is Chinese red accessible for text?
How do I use Chinese red in CSS?
You can use Chinese red in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.chinese-red {
background-color: #AA381E;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.