ukon 欝金

Marigold, saffron yellow. A bright yellow dye taken from the root stalk of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). Native to tropical regions, the plant was imported to Japan in the mid-Edo period. The root was dried, pulverized and dissolved in water to make the dye; the color tone could be changed by adding acids or alkalies. Ukon was used alone or overdyed with red safflower *beni 紅.