Saibiboku - Traditional Sumi Watercolors 20 Colour Set

Where 16th Century Ink Meets 21st Century Artistry

The Saibiboku 20 Color Set represents the fusion of Japan’s oldest ink-making traditions with contemporary artistic innovation. A rare collaboration between Kissho of Kyoto, esteemed pigment artisans, and Kobaien of Nara, sumi ink masters since 1577, this collection brings centuries of craftsmanship into the modern artist’s studio.

Each color pan is handcrafted using Five Star Kouboku sumi ink, natural binders, and ultra-fine pigments, resulting in tones that are smoky, layered, and quietly luminous. Unlike bright primary palettes, Saibiboku offers a spectrum of subdued, atmospheric hues designed for sumi-e, Nihonga, calligraphy backgrounds, and botanical or landscape illustration.

This is not merely paint, it is ink reborn as art.

Included Shades

• 301 Sumi Enji
• 302 Sumi Ohdo
• 303 Sumi Ki
• 304 Sumi Byakuroku
• 305 Sumi Midori
• 306 Sumi Gunjo
• 307 Sumi Taisha
• 308 Sumi Beni
• 309 Sumi Mizugunjo
• 310 Sumi Murasaki
• 311 Sumi Byakugun
• 312 Sumi Shinsha
• 313 Sumi Uguisu
• 314 Sumi Kusa
• 315 Sumi Yanagi
• 316 Sumi Koh Bai
• 317 Sumi Kurocha
• 318 Sumi Ai
• 319 Sumi Gunroku
• 320 Sumi Shu

Product Highlights

• Collaboration between Kissho pigments and Kobaien sumi masters (est. 1577)

• Crafted with soot, natural glue, and refined pigments

• Subtle, layered tones with a creamy matte finish

• Designed for depth, atmosphere, and soft wash effects

• Presented in an elegant ukiyo-e style box for display or gifting

• Each pan is individually handcrafted in Japan

Product Description

• Product Name: Saibiboku Traditional Sumi Watercolors - 20 Colour Set

• Dimensions: 20 × 15 × 1 cm

• Material: Soot, natural glue, pigments, resin

• Made In Japan

A Little Note

Saibiboku is more than pigment, it is poetry in watercolor form. Each stroke carries the soul of sumi, bridging the meditative rhythm of Japanese ink with the fluid beauty of modern expression. To paint with Saibiboku is to write with light and shadow, in the quiet language of tradition.