- The vibrant red, gold, multi-hued kimonos from the 18th and 19th century Edo period
- The gold, green and deep-blue season-themed screens of Tohaku and Sesshu
- The elegant pinks and blues in the landscape prints of Hiroshige and Hokusai
- The blues, reds and yellows in the Ko-Kutani and Imari porcelains of the Edo and Meiji periods
- Earthy golds in fine lacquerwares dating as far back as the Heian period
- And so many more colors in over 120 magnificent examples!
A detailed analysis of each work shows how these color schemes evolved; how their popularity waxed and waned over time; the social and spiritual significance of certain color combinations; and the pigments and dyes used to create them. Color swatches accompany the featured artworks to show readers how colors were used in subtle combinations, including many hues, tones and tints unique to the Japanese arts. A color chart at the end of the book summarizes the beautiful colors that are most characteristic of this tradition.