Imperial Colours

In Chinese culture, colour is and always has been an important factor. In fact, for centuries yellow was the imperial colour as it represented glory, progress and power. The colour gold or amber was for the exclusive use of the emperor.

The colour red takes centre stage. In China it is used as the national colour, representing happiness and good luck.

In our Forbidden City collection of wallpapers, fabrics and tapestries, we have developed all our designs following the theory of the Five Elements of traditional Chinese culture: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. There is a cyclical, chain connection between these elements.

We have placed all the emphasis on the following colour palette:

Green represents vitality or growth. It is also often associated with tranquillity, hope and health. Our favourite is the explosive Cherry Blossom Emerald design.

Red symbolises happiness and good luck, and what better way to show this than through the Yu Garden Ruby  pattern where an abundance of life is seen in the fields.

Yellow as an example of the powerful bright sun, and this is evident in the Sacred Pheasants Amber  design.

Black is the colour of knowledge, confidence and will. It is a colour of emotional protection, and can be seen in our Imperial Ibis Onyx design.

The pure white that symbolises the beginning of life. This hidden within the design Birds Prosperity Swan.

Finally, blue represents the sky. This was very popular in the Qing Dynasty, because people believed that the emperor was “son of heaven.” It also represents immortality. This can be seen in the design Tang Walk Sapphire.

It is a collection of timeless colours and incredible power that pays tribute to the great beauty of what continues to be the physical and spiritual heart of Chinese civilisation today and to the refined nature of the Qing and Ming dynasties.