A Dictionary of Color Combinations vol. 2 – Traditional Japanese Color Palette Guide by Sanzo Wada

A Dictionary of Color Combinations 2 is the second volume in Seigensha’s celebrated revival of the historic color studies of Japanese artist and color researcher Sanzo Wada (1883–1967).

Following the bestselling A Dictionary of Color Combinations, this volume explores more complex and layered palettes inspired by Japan’s changing seasons, early Shōwa-era fashion, interiors, crafts, and graphic design. It is both a historical color archive and a practical source of inspiration for designers, illustrators, artists, photographers, fashion professionals, interior designers, and anyone interested in Japanese visual culture.

Japanese Colors Through the 12 Months

The first section presents 72 multi-color combinations, each using between 3 and 7 colors and inspired by the twelve months of the Japanese year.

From spring fields and fresh summer greenery to vivid autumn leaves and the quiet atmosphere of winter, the palettes capture the changing character of Japan’s seasons through carefully balanced color relationships. They can be used as inspiration for graphic design, fashion, kimono coordination, interiors, illustration, and other creative work.

Early Shōwa Fashion, Interiors & Design

The second section revives color examples associated with early Shōwa-period fashion, interiors, crafts, and graphic design.

It includes 161 color examples drawn from the visual culture of the period, when Japanese fashion and design were becoming increasingly bold and modern. These palettes are particularly useful for anyone looking to recreate or study the atmosphere of Japan from the late Taishō to early Shōwa eras.

Traditional Japanese Color Names

The palettes are accompanied by evocative traditional Japanese color names such as Chōshun-iro, Kamenozoki, and Hiwamoegi, with English translations included.

This allows the book to be enjoyed not only visually, but also linguistically, offering inspiration from the poetic character of Japanese color terminology itself.

172 Practical Color Chips

At the back of the book are 172 removable color chips with CMYK values, designed for practical use in creative work. These make the book especially useful as a working reference for color planning, moodboards, illustration, fashion, interiors, and design projects.

About Sanzo Wada

Sanzo Wada (1883–1967) was a Japanese painter, color researcher, fashion designer, and stage and film art director. He founded the Japan Standard Color Association, the predecessor of today’s Japan Color Research Institute, and played an important role in the development of modern color research in Japan.

He also worked across film, stage design, and fashion, and received the Academy Award for Best Costume Design in 1954 for Gate of Hell.

Product Information

Title: A Dictionary of Color Combinations 2 / 配色事典 応用編
Author: Sanzo Wada
Publisher: Seigensha (青幻舎)
Publication Date: March 23, 2020
Language: Japanese
Pages: 352
ISBN-10: 4861527724
ISBN-13: 978-4861527722
Series: Seigensha Visual Bunko Series

Recommended For

Ideal for graphic designers, illustrators, artists, photographers, fashion designers, kimono enthusiasts, interior designers, stylists, writers, students of Japanese design history, and anyone interested in traditional Japanese colors and vintage Japanese aesthetics.