Due to the fact that it doesn't exist (to my knowledge) I thought it would be great to have an interactive version of this amazing book. Conversion of CMYK colors to RGB / HEX is difficult - so not all are faithful to the printed plates in the book. Therefore this can be used as a companion to the print edition. combinations of three to seven colors themed on the twelve months of the Japanese year, valuable as an inspiration source for design, kimono and other apparel, and interiors

From 1933 to 1934 Sanzo Wada published a collection of color combinations that was the first of its kind in Japan. In 2010 Seigensha reprinted this classic as A Dictionary of Color Combinations, which was applauded by Die Zeit as a source of inspiration filled with a captivating array of “hues we didn’t even know existed.” A Dictionary Of Color Combinations is a collection of flat color squares placed in over 300 side-by-side combinations. Sanzo Wada was active as an artist, art school instructor, costume designer for the movies and the theater, and kimono and fashion designer who employed his extensive and versatile talents to do innovative work that centered primarily on visual perception and form. He is also known as a Western-style painter, and is active in various fields such as movies, stage art, and fashion design.

Or you can have endless fun with the Adobe Colo[u]r Wheel: https://color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel Japan has over 1000 traditional colors, based initially on the Chinese color system. Each named with reference to the seasons, and to plants, and animals, and the colors are often associated with social ranking. The book is published in Japan and is based on the 6-volume work of kimono designer and teacher Sanzo Wada in the 1930s, a time when Japan was between wars, and was absorbing Western influences.

I enjoy looking through the book purely in abstract terms, with the intention of trying some of the combinations in actual designs. I like the fact that it doesn't direct the user how to react to the color pairings.

Imaginative Realism

Thank you, Matthew! I had a feeling I was missing a lot of the subtle meaning of the book, and I really appreciate the detailed interpretation you shared. I'm so impressed with how Japanese culture has such a refined appreciation of color. The book features a wide range of color palettes, providing inspiration and guidance for designers and artists. In 1954 he won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for “The Gates of Hell”. He is a Person of Cultural Merit. The dictionary offers insights into the psychology of color and how different combinations evoke specific emotions and moods.