How to Read “Cinnabar and lacquer need no decoration”
Tanshitsu kazarazu
Meaning of “Cinnabar and lacquer need no decoration”
“Cinnabar and lacquer need no decoration” is a proverb that celebrates natural beauty. It means truly excellent things don’t need extra decoration.
Something fundamentally wonderful is already beautiful and valuable just as it is. Adding artificial decoration doesn’t make it better.
This proverb is used when talking about the quality of materials or a person’s natural charm. For example, the beauty of natural wood, the glow of a refined character, or the natural behavior of a talented person.
Real value can’t be hidden by surface decoration, and it doesn’t need any either.
Even today, this way of thinking is understood in many situations. The desire for simple, essential beauty rather than excessive decoration applies to design and human relationships alike.
This proverb teaches us a universal truth. Truly excellent things reveal their value naturally, without being dressed up.
Origin and Etymology
Clear written records about the origin of this proverb are limited. However, the components of the phrase reveal an interesting background.
“Tan” refers to red pigment, the color of cinnabar. It has been treasured as a noble color since ancient times. “Shitsu” is lacquer, a coating with beautiful luster.
“Kazarazu” comes from “kazaru,” an old word meaning “to decorate.” So this proverb literally means “not decorated with cinnabar or lacquer.”
This expression is thought to be influenced by ancient Chinese philosophy, especially Taoist thought. The philosophy that honors natural beauty connects to an aesthetic that avoids artificial decoration and brings out the inherent goodness of materials.
Japan has long had a culture that values “su” (plainness). This connects to the spirit of “wabi-sabi” in tea ceremony.
What’s interesting is that the proverb deliberately uses cinnabar and lacquer as examples. These were the finest decorative materials of the time.
The message is strong: even the most expensive and beautiful decoration is unnecessary for something truly excellent. This contrast makes the value of natural beauty stand out even more.
Usage Examples
- She doesn’t wear makeup, but she’s truly beautiful—cinnabar and lacquer need no decoration
- This solid wood furniture has the goodness of cinnabar and lacquer need no decoration, and it never gets boring even after many years
Universal Wisdom
The universal wisdom in “Cinnabar and lacquer need no decoration” sheds light on the conflict between “appearance” and “essence” that humans constantly face.
We humans are creatures who want to decorate our exterior. This is partly a self-defense instinct and partly our nature as social beings.
But at the same time, we have an intuition that distinguishes real from fake. We know that no matter how beautifully we dress up, if the content doesn’t match, the plating will eventually peel off.
This proverb has been passed down for so long because humans are beings who seek “essence.” Even if we’re temporarily captivated by surface beauty, we’re ultimately drawn to real value.
That’s human nature.
What’s interesting is that this proverb doesn’t say “don’t decorate.” It says “excellent things don’t need decoration.” In other words, it emphasizes the importance of polishing the essence first.
Rather than spending time arranging the outside, we should focus our energy on enriching the inside. This reflects our ancestors’ deep understanding of human nature.
True beauty and value aren’t created—they’re nurtured and appear naturally. This truth is essential wisdom for life that doesn’t change with the times.
When AI Hears This
Wood grain has surprising characteristics from an information theory perspective. The spacing of growth rings and the curves of wood grain are “data visualization” that records the climate changes and growth environment the tree experienced.
A single wood grain contains decades of compressed environmental information. The human brain unconsciously processes this complex pattern as “natural beauty.”
This is because the brain has become familiar with fractal structures in nature (structures where similar patterns repeat even when magnified) through the process of evolution.
However, when you paint it with cinnabar, this information is completely lost. From a materials science perspective, this is the act of investing expensive materials to reduce information content to near zero.
Cinnabar as a single color is extremely simple as visual information. It holds only a few thousandths of the complexity that wood grain had. In other words, “reduction through addition” is occurring.
Research in perceptual psychology shows that humans prefer moderate complexity. Too simple is boring, too complex is confusing.
Wood grain is in just the right range of complexity. Covering it with a single color is the act of intentionally reducing information the brain can process.
The reason modern design theory emphasizes “bringing out the texture of materials” is because there’s scientific basis in this optimization of information content.
Lessons for Today
Modern society is an era where “appearance” is emphasized. Social media overflows with edited photos, and presentations demand flashy production.
But “Cinnabar and lacquer need no decoration” offers a lesson we should keep in mind, especially now.
What this proverb teaches us is the importance of polishing our own essence first. Before spending time decorating the surface, deepen your knowledge, improve your skills, and develop your character.
Such steady effort is what truly makes you shine.
Of course, minimum grooming and presentation are necessary. But these are meant to bring out your essence, not to hide its absence.
If your content is substantial, even simple expression can move people’s hearts.
What you can practice starting today is expressing your strengths and individuality honestly. Try believing in your natural goodness without forcing decoration.
Real charm will definitely reach others. And above all, being yourself without decoration is very easy and comfortable.
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