Gansai: Master-Grade Pigments by Japan's oldest and most established pigment merchant with over 270 years of histoy

Crafted by Ueba Esou, Japan's oldest and most established pigment merchant with over 270 years of history, this Gansai (Japanese pan color) offers the convenience of watercolor with the depth and quality ideal for Nihonga (Japanese-style painting).

Unlike typical watercolors that use Gum Arabic as a binder, Gansai utilizes traditional animal glue (Nikawa), mixed with high-grade pigments (resistant to fading) and premium natural starch. This unique formula provides a slightly thicker, more substantial finish compared to standard watercolor.

Furthermore, the palette features traditional Japanese colors and is specifically formulated to have excellent compatibility with sumi ink, making it indispensable for ink painting artists.

The vibrant colors come secured in small, square pans.

How to Use: Simply touch the surface of the pigment lightly with a wet brush. The dissolved color will absorb into the brush. Transfer this to a small palette (kozara) and use directly.

Note: The pigment surface may develop small cracks due to storage conditions, but this does not affect usability.

Colors Include: Tai-sha (Dark Ochre) / Rokusho (Malachite) / Gofun (White) / Ki (Yellow) / Murasaki (Purple) / Odo (Yellow Ochre) / Ai (Indigo) / Shu (Vermillion) / Aokusa (Bright Green) / Enji (Carmine) / Gunjo (Ultramarine) / Byakuroku (Pale Green)