This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Please place your order before December 12th for guaranteed delivery for Christmas!

Basket 0

bag2
Congratulations! Your order qualifies for free UK mainland shipping Free mainland UK shipping for orders over £100
You are £100 away
No more products available for purchase

Products
Pair with
gift
Is this a gift?

Our in-house gift wrapping service includes our Italian off-set printed patterned paper, matching Swiss double satin ribbon, foiled sticker seals instead of tape and one card for your message. Kindly note we do not gift-wrap decorative papers, wrapping materials such as ribbon, wrapping paper and greeting cards...

Choose gift wrapping option
Add order notes
Subtotal Free
Shipping, taxes, and discount codes are calculated at checkout

Japanese Pastel Set, 150 Colours

£240.00

Based on French soft pastel production methods, Crown Chemical Company Pastels, established in Kyoto, 1919 sought to produce a distinctly Japanese art material at the behest of Japanese impressionist landscaper Yazaki Chiyoji (1872 - 1947) who favoured the medium. While soft pastels were widely used amongst artists, not least Degas, these were and often are used in combination with other mediums, or for quick and preparatory sketches. Indeed, where paint requires water, brushes and easels - pastels can be transported easily, they do not require any water or drying, but allow for strong, clear and vivid colour comparable to oil.

Crown Chemical Company is notable for being the first and sole producer of soft pastels in Japan, thus bringing to their product a distinctively Japanese flavour suited to painting the landscape of Kyoto. If you have been using commercial, mass manufactured pastels before - which contain chalks and other dusty fillers - this medium is incomparable. They are carefully handmade, in small batches, with the aim of giving each colour the greatest clarity and brightness, allowing the artist to explore the pigments' full character.

Here pictured are some examples of works by Yazaki Chiyoji and his contemporary Tsurunosuke Takeuchi, both known for their work with pastels.

Length: 34cm
Width: 20cm
Depth: 3.5cm
Weight: 1060g
Material: Soft pastels
Included: 150 colours in wooden presentation box; colour chart.

Made in Japan

When working with soft pastel, be aware of nuisance dust. It is ideal to wear disposable gloves and a dust mask when working with pastel, especially if working in a vigorous/expressive manner, where pigment dust becomes temporarily airborne.

To counter pigment dust, spray a fine mist of water in the workspace before beginning to paint with pastels. This will catch any dust and force it down to floor level. Ideally, work in a ventilated space.

Do not eat, drink or smoke when working with pastels. Wash hands before eating or drinking.

  • Goes With
  • More Like This
chevron-left
chevron-right

Gift wrapping available

Worldwide delivery

[{"variant_id":"55254541140344" , "metafield_value":""}][]

Japanese Pastel Set, 150 Colours

£240.00
FAQ

Do You Offer Gift Wrapping?

Yes, gift wrapping can be chosen before checkout and is a £10 flat fee, which includes a card and envelope for you to leave a message. We use premium materials, our in-house Italian paper and Swiss ribbon and an assortment of branded stickers.

How can I amend my order?

Once placed, orders cannot be modified and the address cannot be changed. This is to avoid errors in processing. If you have made an error, please email to request a cancellation, you can then place a new order with the correct details. Once shipped an order cannot be cancelled, it will need to be returned.

What if something is out of stock?

If an item in your order is unavailable, our team will contact you in writing to let you know and discuss your options. We’ll do our best to suggest alternatives or advise when the item is expected back in stock. During busy seasonal periods, if an item under £10 is out of stock, we’ll issue a refund for that product and send the rest of your order so you receive it without delay.

Can I buy gift vouchers?

Digital Gift Cards can be purchased through our website and are delivered by email, these are redeemable through online purchases only. In-store only gift vouchers can also be purchased by visiting us at our physical store in Covent Garden.

Can I collect my order in store?

Yes, if the items in your basket are available at our shop in Covent Garden, you will be able to select “Pick Up” at that location. Not all items will be available at this location.

Shipping

International shipping

We ship to all Worldwide destinations exclusively using DHL Express. For UK destinations DHL Express is a 24h next working day delivery service.

Dispatch Time

We aim to despatch orders within 48 hours. At busy shopping periods this can take an extra few days. Orders placed after 1pm on Fridays and at the weekend will be sent out Monday at the earliest.

Taxes

Shipping to USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will be sent Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). This means all customs duties, taxes, and handling fees are already covered at checkout—so your order arrives without any unexpected extra charges.

About Us

Choosing Keeping is an independent shop located in Covent Garden, London. We specialise in offering a wide range of stationery and miscellaneous items to cater to all your needs.

We take pride in offering products that inspire creativity and elevate the art of writing. Whether you're looking for a special gift or simply want to treat yourself, we invite you to explore our collection and discover the joy of stationery.

We offer gift wrapping with premium materials, our in-house Italian paper and Swiss ribbon and an assortment of swallow branded stickers. We ship to all destinations worldwide by DHL.

cross

21 Tower Street,
London, WC2H 9NS (Map)

T: 020 7613 3842
E:info@choosingkeeping.com
@choosingkeeping