FIVE ELEMENTS · AN INTRODUCTION
Five Elements, everyday discoveries
Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth offer one way into Eastern culture. Begin with colours and natural imagery, then explore their place in everyday life.
Begin with nature, explore a little culture
The Five Elements are a set of ideas used in traditional culture to understand the world and change. Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth are not simply five materials, nor are they the elements of modern science.
In traditional Five Colours associations, white, qing (a blue-green colour family), black, red and yellow correspond to Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. Vermpath takes these colours and natural images as starting points for five everyday themes; the reflections and combinations below are our own editorial interpretation.
Clarity in the space between
Explore pale tones, clean lines and the quiet beauty of open space.
Explore this theme02 / WOODRoom to grow, at your own pace
Notice the colours and textures of plants, and make a little room for nature.
Explore this theme03 / WATERA quieter rhythm, a little flow
Find quiet detail in dark tones, gentle curves and the layers of a river.
Explore this theme04 / FIREA warm accent for everyday life
Explore warm reds and the play of light, adding a vivid note to the everyday.
Explore this theme05 / EARTHGrounded in the everyday
Explore stone, land and mellow ochre tones, with an appreciation for simple things.
Explore this themeREAD AT YOUR OWN PACE
Yin, yang and the Five Elements
Explore the origins of ideas, traditional colours and cultural expressions in everyday life. Finished articles will appear in our knowledge section as they are prepared.
CHOOSE WHAT YOU LOVE
Culture is a starting point. The choice is yours.
Start with the colours, forms and everyday habits you enjoy. The Five Elements are cultural and design themes here. Check each product’s description and confirm its materials, ingredients, specifications and included items with support.
Explore everyday finds