Peacock Teal

Krishna Blue comes from the skin color of the Hindu deity Krishna. "Krishna" in Sanskrit means "black" or "deep blue." Indian philosophy holds that blue represents infinity—the sky and ocean are blue, and all infinite things are blue. Krishna's blue skin symbolizes his transcendent, infinite nature. This is also the signature color of Jodhpur, India's "Blue City."

Saffron is one of India's most sacred colors. The top band of India's flag is saffron, representing courage and sacrifice. In Hinduism, Shiva is depicted with saffron skin, and Buddhist monks' robes originate from this color. Buddha chose saffron robes as the Middle Way. Saffron dye is more expensive than gold—the world's costliest spice and dye.

In 1845 Tiffany first used this blue-green for its Blue Book catalog. Since then it has become synonymous with luxury, romance, and New York elegance. Receiving a Tiffany blue box is almost a dream of promise and surprise.

Bauhaus Blue is cool and rational, joining red and yellow to form the visual grammar of modern design. From the Dessau building's glass curtain wall to Breuer's tubular steel furniture, it reminds designers that beauty comes from precise construction.

Swedish Blue evokes the Baltic Sea, the archipelago, and endless summer skies. The yellow cross on a blue field is said to derive from the royal coat of arms, and the color appears in Midsummer wreaths, Dala horses, and IKEA products.

Korean Cobalt Blue is the East color in Korea's "Five Directions Color" (Obangsaek) system. Derived from Chinese Five Elements theory but with unique Korean characteristics—blue (east), red (south), yellow (center), white (west), black (north). Korean architecture, hanbok, and even court cuisine follow this system.