Azulejo Blue

In the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company brought Chinese blue-and-white porcelain to Europe; Delft potters imitated it and developed a distinct local style. Delft Blue depicts windmills, tulips, and maritime scenes in serene cobalt.

Cobalt Blue is China's most globally influential color. In the Yuan Dynasty, Persian cobalt met Jingdezhen porcelain clay, creating stunning blue-and-white ware that spread along the Maritime Silk Road. A Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white jar sold for ¥230 million in 2005.

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."

Egyptian Lapis was one of ancient Egypt's most sacred colors. Lapis lazuli traveled from Afghanistan to Egypt, valued like gold. Egyptians considered it the "stone of heaven"—they believed the sky was blue because of a massive lapis dome. Pharaoh masks, amulets, and tomb murals extensively used lapis blue. Tutankhamun's mask has lapis inlaid around the eyes. Egyptians ground lapis into eyeshadow—"Mesdematet"—possibly the world's first cosmetics. Cleopatra's blue eyeshadow was reportedly lapis powder.

St. Petersburg Blue comes from the northern capital's unique sky. Every June, "White Nights" bathe the city in 24-hour pale blue. The Winter Palace (Hermitage) blue-white facade embodies this color. Catherine the Great made St. Petersburg the "Venice of the North." Tchaikovsky reportedly drew inspiration for "Swan Lake" from White Nights' blue sky.

Japanese indigo is celebrated as "Japan Blue." Hokusai and Hiroshige's ukiyo-e extensively used this deep blue, stunning European artists after Japan's 1853 opening. Van Gogh collected Hiroshige prints, and "The Starry Night"'s swirling blues were directly influenced by "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." The 30+ step dyeing process transforms fabric from yellow-green to deep blue through oxidation.