Persian Violet represents a distinctive shade of purple. It blends blue and red undertones, creating a vibrant yet serene hue. Its appeal makes it popular in art and design. Understanding its characteristics and history reveals its versatility.
Defining Persian Violet
Persian Violet balances blue and red, leaning slightly blue, giving it a cool yet inviting presence. It is a mid-toned violet, reminiscent of the evening sky after sunset. It evokes imagination, creativity, luxury, mystery, and spirituality. Its appeal is both subtle and invigorating.
It can be represented by various color codes. Hexadecimal codes like #929BC2 or #8EA0C2, and RGB values around RGB(146, 155, 194) or RGB(142, 160, 194) define it. In HSL, it typically has a hue of 228.8 degrees, saturation of 28.2%, and lightness of 66.7%. Its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is often 33 to 35.25, indicating a medium color that reflects moderate light.
The Origin of the Name
The name “Persian Violet” links to the region’s historical and cultural associations. While its specific origin isn’t definitively documented, purple, from which violet shades stem, has deep roots in Persian history. Ancient Persian kings wore purple, symbolizing wealth, royalty, and power. This preference likely contributed to naming certain violet shades “Persian.”
The term is also commercially associated with Exacum affine, a houseplant. This small biennial plant, native to Socotra, produces fragrant, small purple flowers with yellow centers. Though known as Persian Violet, Exacum affine is not a true violet botanically, belonging to the Gentianaceae family. Its violet-blue to dark lavender flowers likely influenced the color’s naming.
Using Persian Violet in Design
Persian Violet offers a sophisticated palette for diverse design applications. In interior design, this mid-toned violet invigorates spaces, often on accent walls or in decorative elements. It pairs well with neutrals like white, gray, or beige, balancing its richness. For luxury, combine it with golden ornamentation or metallic accents like gold or silver.
In fashion, it adds a unique touch to apparel and accessories. Its cool undertones make it versatile for seasonal collections. It has been featured in collaborations, such as FC Barcelona’s sneaker design, highlighting its contemporary appeal. Beyond interiors and fashion, its creativity and luxury make it suitable for branding, conveying innovation and uniqueness. A sage green (#C2B992) offers a pleasing contrast.
Distinguishing Persian Violet
Persian Violet holds a specific place among purples and violets, distinguished by its blue and red undertone balance. Unlike royal violet, a deeper, more saturated purple, Persian Violet is a softer, mid-toned shade with a noticeable blue influence. While both share purple characteristics, Persian Violet’s coolness sets it apart.
Compared to amethyst, a pale, translucent purple gemstone, Persian Violet has greater depth, less transparency, and a more pronounced blue cast. Lavender is a much lighter, pastel purple, often leaning pinker. Persian Violet is distinctly darker and less desaturated than lavender, offering a more profound presence. These subtle differences give Persian Violet its unique character.