COLOR OF THE MONTH | Mystical Maya Blue - part 1

Before we head off for our summer break – we are bringing a taste of the Mediterranean with our brand new Colour of the Month: Maya Blue.

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MAYA BLUE COLOR TREND

FACTS & PSYCHOLOGY

Have you heard of Maya Blue before?

Maya Blue (Spanish: azul maya) is a unique bright blue pigment manufactured by cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, such as the Maya and Aztec.

Via

In Pre-Industrial Europe, Blue Pigments were exceedingly rare. But an ocean away, the Maya had their own, widely available blue. Maya Blue was used for centuries in present-day Mexico. In Europe, before the Industrial Revolution and the invention of synthetic blue paints, artists used pigment – which was at the time even more expensive than gold.

The high cost of the semi-precious lapis lazuli stones imported from far-off Afghanistan – blue was precious and scarce. However across the ocean, it was a different story. Evidence suggests that the Mayans were using their very own blue – Maya Blue – possibly as early as 600 BC, and it can be found in the ancient city of Chichén Itzá – a thriving city in its heyday.

Chichén Itzá – Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo) via

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Maya Blue played a large role in ancient Maya ritual. The vibrant sky colour is associated with Chaak, the rain god and of human sacrifice. The Maya associated the colour blue with their rain deities. When skies were reminiscent of Maya Blue, cloudless and dry the Maya sometimes selected an unlucky victim to be painted this sacred colour and they were thrown down a well “cenote” as a sacrifice to the rain god – in hope that rain would follow and make the corn grow. By analyzing the famous blue pigment found in the bottom of a well, has enabled scientists to solve the mystery of how to make the ancient super Maya Blue.

Source

Blue represents both the sky and the sea and is the favourite colour of all people.

The colour blue is associated with open spaces, freedom, expansiveness and inspiration – so let your imagination run free. Blue is nature’s colour for water and sky and is known to have positive effects on the mind and the body.

The colour blue reduces stress, creating a sense of calmness and relaxation – lie back and look into a bright blue cloudless sky and no doubt feel a sense of calm. It slows the metabolism down. While blue conjures images of sky and sea, it’s also the colour of bravery and dedication.

Via / Urban Outfitters / Vogue Cover source / via / via / David Hockney The SPLASH, 1966

Blue-Green Swimming Pool Murals David Hockney source

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MAYA BLUE COLOR TREND

INTERIORS & DESIGN

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The New Mediterrean gestalten

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Source / via / via / Shutterstock / source / by @scorpio.muse via @ihavethisthingwithfloors

Bert & May / Archdaily

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MAYA BLUE COLOR TREND

COLOR CODES AND PAINT SPECIFICATIONS

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PANTONE Swatches

Pantone Cerulean – The color of the sky on a serene, crystal clear day, from Pantone: Fashion Color Trend Report: New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021

Pantone Clear Sky – Redolent of the cool blue of a cloudless day. , from Pantone: Fashion Color Trend Report: London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2021/2022