← Colour Lab
Saffron
#F4C430 · click to copy
Warm
HEX
#F4C430
RGB
244, 196, 48
CMYK
0%, 20%, 80%, 4%
Pigment
PY184, NR4
Lightfastness
Poor (IV) — natural saffron fades rapidly; synthetic equivalents are more stable
Moods & Keywords
yellow
orange
warm
sacred
golden
spiritual
exotic
Pigment & Material
PY184, NR4
Natural
From the stigmas of Crocus sativus. As a pigment, historically mixed with gum arabic to create a transparent yellow glaze.
Origin & History
Saffron has been cultivated for over 3,500 years. Ancient Minoan frescoes (1600 BCE) depict saffron harvesting. In ancient Persia and India, saffron was used to dye royal garments and as a sacred colour in religious ceremonies. Buddhist monks still wear saffron-dyed robes today as a symbol of renunciation.
Also Known As
Crocus Yellow
Indian Saffron
Za'faran
Kesar
Psychology
Sacred, luminous, and transformative. Saffron is the yellow of divine light in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It suggests spiritual aspiration, wisdom, and the burning away of impurity. In Western contexts, it reads as exotic, warm, and precious — a colour that demands respect.
In Culture
The saffron-coloured robes of Buddhist monks (the colour of renunciation and simplicity). India's national flag includes saffron to represent courage and sacrifice. In ancient Greece, saffron-coloured robes were worn by brides. The most expensive spice in the world by weight — its colour carries an inherent sense of preciousness.
Natural Sources
Stigmas of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) — each flower produces only 3 stigmas; approximately 150,000 flowers yield 1 kg of saffron. The colouring compound is crocin (a carotenoid). Iran produces over 90% of the world's saffron. Also: turmeric (Curcuma longa) produces a similar yellow-orange (curcumin).
Making It Yourself
Saffron watercolour (natural, not lightfast):
1. Steep 1 gram of saffron threads in 100ml hot water for 30 minutes
2. Strain and use liquid directly as watercolour
3. Add gum arabic for body
Turmeric (more accessible):
Dissolve 1 tsp turmeric powder in warm water with a pinch of alum
Note: both fade significantly in UV light
1. Steep 1 gram of saffron threads in 100ml hot water for 30 minutes
2. Strain and use liquid directly as watercolour
3. Add gum arabic for body
Turmeric (more accessible):
Dissolve 1 tsp turmeric powder in warm water with a pinch of alum
Note: both fade significantly in UV light
Art Movements
Indian Miniature Painting
Buddhist Art
Persian Manuscript Illumination
Famous Works
Mughal miniature paintings
16th–19th century
Buddhist thangka paintings
Tibet
Wrapped Saffron
Christo's Gates project, Central Park 2005
Available As
Winsor & Newton — Indian Yellow (PY153) — synthetic lightfast equivalent
Daniel Smith — Hansa Yellow Deep (PY65)
Sennelier — Saffron Yellow
Natural: food-grade saffron for experimental watercolour
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Colour data compiled with AI. Spot an error or have more to add? Leave a Note — ekphra reviews and updates.
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