繝
a method of dyeing
Strokes18
Readings
On'yomi
- カン
- ケン
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
繝 centers on a specific dyeing technique, referring to a method of applying color to fabric.
Most common words using 繝
- 繧繝うんげん
ungen; method of dyeing in which a color repeatedly goes from dense to diffuse, diffuse to dense; used in Buddhist pictures, temple ornaments, etc., during the Nara and Heian periods
Study
Etymology
繝 combines 糸 (thread, textile) with 閒, which likely contributes the sound and relates to the dyeing process. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 糸 suggests thread or fabric, and the right side 閒 looks like a gate or space. Imagine dye being carefully applied through a gap in a stencil onto silk threads.
Reading mnemonic
For カン, picture a can of dye being poured over the fabric: can -> カン, and the thread soaks up the color.