Choosing Keeping's own take on this traditional Japanese painting material, this selection of 20 colours has been put together especially for depicting springtime blossoms and other botanical forms.

Illustration courtesy of Claire Fletcher

Length: 20cm
Width: 15cm
Depth: 1.5cm
Weight: 268g
Material: Gansai watercolour paints, plastic, cardboard, paper 
Included: 20 colours  in fabric-bound presentation box
Vegetarian/Vegan: No (contains gelatine glue binder)
Non-toxic

Made in Japan

Colours Included:
207 - sakura-iro - Cherry blossom - named after the much beloved sakura season in Japan. 
216 - Zouge-iro - Ivory
225 -Bara - Rose
41 - Botan - Peony
20 - Wakaba - Fresh leaves
3 - Senkouki - Fresh bright yellow
222 - aoi-iro - Named after the light purple mallow flower, traditionally used in Japanese medicines. 
17 - Asagi - A blue green that shares its name with an ancient breed of Koi which is characterised by striking blue scales. 
46 - Sora-iro - Sky blue 
5 - Hana-haku-midori - Light green flower
215 - akane-iro - Madder rose - madder is one of the earliest pigments, traditionally derived from madder root and first used by the ancient Egyptians. 
220 - Ruri-iro - Lapis lazuli blue 
47 - Hatoba - Usually translated to mean blue-black in the context of colour, but literally translating to ‘pigeon wing’, this bold pink references the lighter parts of pigeon feathers. 
13 - Yamabuki - Named after the Japanese yellow rose which blooms from April to May. 
202 - Nadeshiko-iro - This pink is named after the family of flowers we call ‘pinks’ rather than the colour itself: Dianthus. 
226 - Kakitsubata - A rich pink, named after a specific type of Japanese Iris - Iris laevigata in English, also known as 'rabbit eared Iris' for its distinctive petal shape. 
29 - Koubai - Japanese Apricot - also known as Japanese plum, this colour is named after much beloved subject matter for painting and poetry in East Asia. 
221 - Tokiwa-iro - Evergreen; this colour in traditional Japanese refers to the longevity and unchanging nature of evergreen leaves, seen as good luck in Edo period Japan. 
12 - Gofun - White; this refers to the traditional white pigment made from crushed shells. 
214 - Hiwa-iro - From the Japanese mahiwa which is the name for the eurasian siskin - a small bird in the finch family which has striking yellow-green feathers.

These Japanese artist watercolours are made from a blend of natural minerals, plant gums, and approved artist pigments to produce rich, vibrant colour that’s safe and non-toxic. They contain no heavy metals such as lead or cadmium and are classed as non-hazardous under UK safety regulations. The paints are odourless, water-soluble, and suitable for adult artistic use only. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while painting, and wash hands after use. If paint gets in your eyes, rinse well with clean water; if swallowed, rinse your mouth and seek advice if unwell. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and keep out of reach of children and pets. Allow rinse water to settle before disposal and throw away the dried residue responsibly, rather than pouring coloured water straight down the drain. These paints are safe to handle, transport, and use when used as intended for art and creative work.

Calcium carbonate, kaolin, gum arabic, starch sugar, glycerin, water, colour pigments.