Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 茜 (qiàn) originated in ancient China and is composed of the radical 艹 (grass/plant) and 西 (west). It originally referred to the madder plant, whose roots were used to produce a red dye. Over time, the character evolved from its Liushutong form to the modern standard script, retaining its core meaning of 'madder' or 'red dye,' and by extension, the color deep red itself. Arrived in Japan: The character 茜, along with many others, was likely introduced to Japan during the Yamato period, between the 5th and 6th centuries, as part of the broader cultural influx from the Asian continent that included the Chinese writing system.