Brand | Kuretake |
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Color | 36 colors set |
Finish Type | Adjustable |
Size | 1.14 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Item Volume | 36 Liters |
Special Feature | Water-based pigment |
Unit Count | 18.2719 Ounce |
Paint Type | Watercolor |
Specific Uses For Product | Interior |
Surface Recommendation | Paper |
Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
Item Form | Solid |
Included Components | palette |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Model Name | Gansai Tambi |
Package Information | Box |
Coverage | Opaque |
UPC | 046926698181 044935493551 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 04901427171846 |
Manufacturer | Kuretake |
Part Number | MC20/36V |
Item Weight | 1.14 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 7.9 x 12.8 x 0.7 inches |
Country of Origin | Japan |
Item model number | MC20/36V |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Style | 36 colors set |
Finish | Adjustable |
Material | Watercolors |
Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Number Of Pieces | 1 |
Tool Tip Description | Fine |
Special Features | Water-based pigment |
Batteries Included? | No |
Batteries Required? | No |
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Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI 36 colors set, Watercolor Paint Set, Professional-quality for artists and crafters, AP-Certified, water colors for adult, Made in Japan
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Return this item for free
We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select your preferred free shipping option
- Drop off and leave!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Kuretake |
Color | 36 colors set |
Finish Type | Adjustable |
Size | 1.14 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Item Volume | 36 Liters |
Special Feature | Water-based pigment |
Unit Count | 18.2719 Ounce |
Paint Type | Watercolor |
Specific Uses For Product | Interior |
Surface Recommendation | Paper |
About this item
- [36 Colors] Gansai is traditional Japanese watercolor, utilizing colors that are based off those seen in nature, meaning they are vivid and opaque. Pans are carefully filled with paint that is smooth, not granulated, and dries with a slight shiny finish.
- [Flexible Techniques] Paints do not leave hard edges when dry, making flat-washes easy to accomplish, and are easy to layer with proper technique.
- [Brush Dexterity] Gansai Tambi Pans are much larger than typical watercolor pans, giving you the ability to use both small or large brushes quite easily.
- [Palette and Color chart included] Within each Gansai Tambi set is a protective sheet that not only keeps your pans from shifting but can be used as a palette mixer. Each box also includes a color chart so you can swatch the colors yourself and distinguish between them quickly.
- [Beautiful Packaging, Ideal for Gift-giving] Water-based pigment is ACMI-certified, and packaged in a simple cardboard box with elegant green washi overlay. Perfect for gifts.
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From the brand
Kuretake
OUR Origins are rooted in sumi
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The Kuretake brand represents the arts and crafts lifestyle with the use of color and shapes.
The colors 'Black' represents Tradition and 'Yellow and Purple' representing Innovation of brushes, pens and paints to support our customer artistic lifestyle. The shapes of circle, square and triangle represent the creation of arts and crafts.
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'ZIG' is the brand name for Kuretake’s pen and marker which has been loved by many people.
In the 1970’s, Japan experienced nationwide depression during the post-war recession. People everywhere sought out low priced yet high quality stationery productions, and in this era came the birth of the new 'Kuretake ZIG' Fine liner pen. ZIG comes from the word 'zigzag', a concept based on the fluid, back and forth motion which comes with writing.
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Kuretake Co., Ltd. was established in 1902 at Nara in Japan. Since then, by combining our Sumi Ink(Japanese Calligraphy Ink) with our own technological developments, we have achieved recognition as a manufacturer of high quality stationery products. With confidence that we could utilize our unique knowledge of multi-colored pigment inks, we decided to expand into Art & Crafts industry.
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From the manufacturer
History of Kuretake
Kuretake Co., Ltd. was established in 1902 at Nara in Japan. Since then, by combining our Sumi Ink(Japanese Calligraphy Ink) with our own technological developments, we have achieved recognition as a manufacturer of high quality stationery products. With confidence that we could utilize our unique knowledge of multi-colored pigment inks, we decided to expand into Art & Crafts industry. That is our new action to contribute to people's life and culture by satisfying their new needs for 'Want to create by own hands.'
We strongly believe that our 'hands on' products will continue to satisfy future customer requirements for both Stationery as well as Arts & Crafts industries.
Kuretake and ZIG
Kuretake: The Kuretake brand represents the arts and crafts lifestyle with the use of color and shapes.
The colors 'Black' represents Tradition and 'Yellow and Purple' representing Innovation of brushes, pens and paints to support our customer artistic lifestyle. The shapes of circle, square and triangle represent the creation of arts and crafts.
ZIG: 'ZIG' is the brand name for Kuretake’s pen and marker which has been used and loved by many people.
In the 1970’s, Japan experienced nationwide depression during the post-war recession. People everywhere sought out low priced yet high quality stationery productions, and in this era came the birth of the new 'Kuretake ZIG' Fine liner pen. ZIG comes from the word 'zigzag', a concept based on the fluid, back and forth motion which comes with writing. 'Kuretake ZIG' had an extra-fine 0.3mm tip, as well as a slim body design with high-grade cap and stainless clip which was very original for that time. On top of that, 'Kuretake ZIG' became the first hit product of Kuretake stationery to spread worldwide.
From the original product name of 'Kuretake ZIG', we decided to establish 'ZIG' as the general brand of Kuretake Pens and Markers. Now, ZIG products are sold in over 80 countries around the world, growing into a global brand.
Characteristics of Gansai Tambi
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Gansai Tambi are Eastern Watercolors, available in 48 colors that are based off colors found in nature, and so they are vibrant without being overly saturated. Due to their richness and opaqueness, Gansai are semi-transparent and can be used as a gouache unless mixed heavily with water. Water-based pigment paint can be highly opaque or transparent depending on the amount of water added. Wide-variety of colors makes it simple to blend colors together to make even more combinations. Replacement Gansai Tambi pans can be purchased individually. Gansai are artist-quality paints that can be used by people at any creative level. |
Larger paint pans make it is easy to use ultra-fine, detail brushes, as well as wide-brushes to cover larger space without losing color. Each pan is hand-poured at our headquarters in Nara, Japan, leaving a smooth, creamy finish without the graininess that some Western Watercolors tend to have. Paint lifts well with water but can also be layered with proper technique and paper and dries with a slight shiny finish. |
Gansai are traditional Japanese paints that were used for a specific painting style called Etegami. Etegami translates to ‘image/picture letter’, and so is like a handmade postcard. People would use Gansai paints to sketch and illustrate simplified objects, relinquishing the control that formal artists had used up until that point, to create beautiful and colorful postcards with messages that expressed something more spontaneous and personal. The vibrancy of our Gansai Tambi watercolors is meant to convey that same idea; that art and painting do not have to be done by masters using a technique, but can also be fun, bright, and intimate. |
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Swatching Kuretake Gansai Tambi 48 Watercolor Paint Set
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Kuretake ZIG Gansai Tambi Watercolor paints (MC20)
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First Impression on Kuretake Gansai Tambi 48 Watercolor Set
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Customer Review: Absolutely stunning!
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Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B001MPA6W4 |
---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.8 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #3,693 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing (See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing) #112 in Drawing Pens |
Date First Available | September 19, 2012 |
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Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI 36 colors set, Watercolor Paint Set, Professional-quality for artists and crafters, AP-Certified, water colors for adult, Made in Japan
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Product Description
Picture letter - some people good at drawing pictures, even those who do not, can start willingly. Birthday of family, wedding of friends, anniversary of lovers etc. - if you send a hearty picture letter, it Wii be surely a good memorial. With this set, you can represent colors that match various scenes. Colors are vivid, meriting fast, coloring are beautiful, so it suitable for coloriage, too. The non-toxic, water-based paints are lightfast and ideal for sketching, illustrations, sumi-e, cards, and more! Each watercolor block comes in individual tray that can be removed from the palette during use.
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Price | -43% $34.19$34.19 List: $60.00 | -13% $29.23$29.23 Typical: $33.49 | $49.99$49.99 | $307.97$307.97 | -37% $26.26$26.26 List: $41.99 | -44% $19.99$19.99 List: $35.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 30 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 30 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 30 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 30 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 30 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 30 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Easy to use | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
For beginners | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.7 |
Sheerness | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
Value for money | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.2 | — | — |
Sold By | Kuretake-Arts | TM-Horsehill | Kuretake-Arts | JumpCycle | Amazon.com | Grabie |
volume | 36 liters | 0.3 kilograms | 0.44 kilograms | 1.5 kilograms | 5 milliliters | 55.8 cubic inches |
unit count | 18.27 | — | 11.64 | — | 12 | 12.5 |
paint type | Watercolor | Watercolor | Watercolor | Watercolor | Watercolor | Watercolor |
surface suggestion | Paper | Paper | Paper | Paper | — | Metal |
exterior finish | Paint | — | Copper | Dries | Tin | Paint |
specialty | Nature | — | — | Nature | — | Natural |
Important information
This item is Brand New & factory sealed.
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers are happy with the quality, quantity, color, and value of the paint set. They mention that it's a hobby quality paint set, the pans are big enough for larger brushes, and the colors flow relatively well on the page. They also appreciate the smoothness, blending, and ease of use. Opinions are mixed on condition.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the color of the paint. They mention that it's rich, pigmented, and flow relatively well on the page. They also say that the colors are vibrant, creamy, and original. Customers also say it has a very generous amount of pigment and that it lasts a long time.
"...They're very highly pigmented and very lightfast, making them more than suitable for professional quality work, and if you're looking to get started..." Read more
"...They have a very good amount of pigment but they are transparent for the most part, the same as other watercolors...." Read more
"...The colors flow relatively well on the page, perhaps not as much as paints right out of a tube, but well enough that they work well for all of the..." Read more
"...BayBE! When I tell you I have never seen such beautifully rich colors on a palette I'm not kidding...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the paints. They mention that they are smooth, vibrant, and hobbyist quality. Some say that the paint is wonderful, unbelievable, and worth having. They also say that they're excellent for cards and illustrations.
"...pigmented and very lightfast, making them more than suitable for professional quality work, and if you're looking to get started too, I 100% endorse..." Read more
"...these are very fun and so reasonably priced, they are excellent for cards and illustrations." Read more
"I'm actually really surprised by the quality of these paints...." Read more
"...Unlike most other watercolors, these are rather easy to paint over something, due to its opaqueness...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the paint set. They say it's well worth the splurge, and the pans are big, giving you more paint for your money.
"...you can manipulate orientation more easily and is a lightweight and cheap option)..." Read more
"...or Winsor Newton for watercoloring but these are very fun and so reasonably priced, they are excellent for cards and illustrations." Read more
"...and professionals, because the quality is good but the price is still fairly reasonable...." Read more
"...to other watercolors, I feel like these hold their own and can be worth the price.Overall, I love this palette and would recommend." Read more
Customers like the quantity of the paint. They mention that the pans are large enough for larger brushes, and can hold a massive amount of paint.
"...The pans are also huge, meaning the paints last much longer...." Read more
"...brim (which makes them easier to work with) but they still hold a massive amount of paint, greater than a standard full pan I would estimate." Read more
"Love the beautiful colors, and the paint pans can handle a large round or flat brush...." Read more
"...(which I reccomend, if you are in search of a cost effective, wide, vibrant selection of watercolors)..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the smoothness of the paint. They mention that it is creamy in texture, goes on smooth and creamy, and has a creamy consistency. They also say that the paints are very bright and smooth when dry. Customers also love the colors and the feel of the product. They say it feels wonderful, mixes great, and is fun to use.
"...to professional grade, I've found that these have a much smoother texture, more pigmentation, and more colors!!..." Read more
"...These watercolors are very soft allowing you to easily mix what you need...." Read more
"...pure accident just from the additional paint on my brush..it’s just so creamy and dreamy.. cant describe these watercolors any other way...." Read more
"...They are really creamy and smoothe. The price is really great for someone just trying to begin getting into watercolors (like me)...." Read more
Customers find the paint easy to work with, with lots of colors and a fairly easy learning curve. They say it's convenient to have these different colored pans ready to go, and that the colors are bright and work up easily. Customers also say it’s great even for beginners, drinks up the water quickly, and is easy to put back together. They also mention that the paint applies smoothly and blends well.
"...the best pan set I've used (and I've used a lot) they're also the easiest to use...." Read more
"...-staining colors I use from tubes, but over all they are bright, work up easily and are very pretty colors...." Read more
"...Readily drinks up the water and good to go quickly. Very generous amount of pigment and probably last awhile, for most people...." Read more
"...These are much nicer to work with." Read more
Customers like the blending of the paint. They say the colors are vivid, easy to blend, and go on smooth. Some mention that the variety of colors as there isn't as much mixing involved.
"...These watercolors are very soft allowing you to easily mix what you need...." Read more
"...The colors are very vibrant and blend out really nice; if you don't water it down, it's almost like painting with acrylic with how thick it is; when..." Read more
"...the 36 set however, every color I have desired so far has been easily mixable. Gansai lift very easily...." Read more
"...than typical watercolor paints, they dry differently, they mix differently, and they have a different finish.1...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the condition of the paint. Some say that the paints are well-preserved and have no cracks or damage. However, others say that some of the color palettes were cracked and crumbled.
"...One of the biggest deterrents to watercolor is often poor quality, chalky, and low pigmented paints that are often sold as beginner sets...." Read more
"...Very generous amount of pigment and probably last awhile, for most people...." Read more
"...A few of the pans had cracks, but the cracks are more so at the surface of the cake itself and nothing was deep enough where the colors were..." Read more
"...Mine arrived (two sets) intact and well-preserved...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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I've done my own professional work with these, and they're an amazing product that I'd absolutely recommend to anyone looking for either professional or beginner watercolor work. They're very highly pigmented and very lightfast, making them more than suitable for professional quality work, and if you're looking to get started too, I 100% endorse these. I've tried many different brands, and of all the paints I've worked with, these are my favorite.
One of the biggest deterrents to watercolor is often poor quality, chalky, and low pigmented paints that are often sold as beginner sets.
I also love that the box has added the English names for the pigments since the last time I bought them!!
Despite being around the same price as the Windsor & Newton Cotman travel kit, which I've seen recommended as intermediate to professional grade, I've found that these have a much smoother texture, more pigmentation, and more colors!! The pans are also huge, meaning the paints last much longer.
If you're experimenting with watercolor for the first time, please don't let the price deter you, student grade supplies, while cheaper, will not give you the same quality of work and will be much more difficult to use and you're very likely to feel the medium is harder than it has to be, and these are not only the best pan set I've used (and I've used a lot) they're also the easiest to use.
If you're struggling with colors mixing together and muddling, make sure you fully allow each one to fully dry between layers and in places where they touch (a heat embossing gun is very helpful to speed along this process if watching paint dry is as boring for you as it is for me)
If you find that making flat washes is difficult and is streaky, make sure your brushes hold enough water to spread across your area and leave a pool along the edge of your wash when you collect more paint so it doesn't dry before you continue.
There are different brush types as well, and it's all a preference thing. Natural, synthetic, and mixed are the options, I've mostly used the basic Artstation synthetic watercolor brushes, they come in different sized packs for fairly cheap and hold more water than I thought they would!
Skin tones can be tricky, too!! I've had the best success using the orangey-brown (I think it's burnt Siena) and just a tiny amount of the very light blue to desaturate it to a more natural tone, and *maybe* some white to lighten it, or the tiniest amount of black to darken. More blue makes a cooler tone while more orange makes it warmer, and adding some of the darkish yellow will help in more diverse ranges! Avoid using white to lighten your colors, adding more water does the trick just fine, and white tends to desaturate the color.
Always test your colors on a scrap piece of paper, and mix more than you think you need! It's a lot harder to mix more of the same color than to wash your mixing tray.
I also highly recommend a mixing pan or tray so you can properly dilute your paints, these are far too pigmented for use straight from the pan. Plastic works perfectly well, but I'm fond of porcelain as it's easier to clean.
Paper type and weight is also very important! Any papers under 80lbs will not hold up to water mediums, but I use 90lbs for sketching and 150lbs for finished pieces and professional work. The heavier your paper weight, the more water it can hold without crinkling, and allows you to build up colors by glazing (adding a wash of color over a dried wash) and an easy way to prevent bending is to tape the edges of your paper to a board (a styrofoam board covered in scotch tape is great so you can manipulate orientation more easily and is a lightweight and cheap option) artist's tape is preferred as it has less adhesive, but if you stick masking tape to a cloth surface (I tend to use my jeans) a few times makes it easier to peel off, and if you have a heat gun, using it along the tape also releases the adhesive so as to prevent tearing your paper.
As far as watercolor paper goes, whether you prefer hot or cold press is a personal stylistic choice. Cold press is more textured with a thicker grain and the paper absorbs the color and is generally more recommended for beginner use as it dries faster, and might feather out more Hot press (my preferred) is smoother with a smaller grain and the color tends to sit on top of the paper, and dries slower which gives more time for manipulating the color, and tends to have crisper edges. Canson is an affordable brand that I'd recommend for beginners or sketches, where Arches is top quality that I'd suggest for professional use due to its assurance of lightfastness and price. Canson is more widely available, and I'd suggest purchasing Arches in large sheets you can cut down from dickblick's website. I've also heard bumblebee is a good brand, but haven't personally tried it out yet
Experiment with different things and find what suits you best!
Overall these are the best panned watercolors I've found on the market, and I'll definitely stick with them and buy again!!
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2019
I've done my own professional work with these, and they're an amazing product that I'd absolutely recommend to anyone looking for either professional or beginner watercolor work. They're very highly pigmented and very lightfast, making them more than suitable for professional quality work, and if you're looking to get started too, I 100% endorse these. I've tried many different brands, and of all the paints I've worked with, these are my favorite.
One of the biggest deterrents to watercolor is often poor quality, chalky, and low pigmented paints that are often sold as beginner sets.
I also love that the box has added the English names for the pigments since the last time I bought them!!
Despite being around the same price as the Windsor & Newton Cotman travel kit, which I've seen recommended as intermediate to professional grade, I've found that these have a much smoother texture, more pigmentation, and more colors!! The pans are also huge, meaning the paints last much longer.
If you're experimenting with watercolor for the first time, please don't let the price deter you, student grade supplies, while cheaper, will not give you the same quality of work and will be much more difficult to use and you're very likely to feel the medium is harder than it has to be, and these are not only the best pan set I've used (and I've used a lot) they're also the easiest to use.
If you're struggling with colors mixing together and muddling, make sure you fully allow each one to fully dry between layers and in places where they touch (a heat embossing gun is very helpful to speed along this process if watching paint dry is as boring for you as it is for me)
If you find that making flat washes is difficult and is streaky, make sure your brushes hold enough water to spread across your area and leave a pool along the edge of your wash when you collect more paint so it doesn't dry before you continue.
There are different brush types as well, and it's all a preference thing. Natural, synthetic, and mixed are the options, I've mostly used the basic Artstation synthetic watercolor brushes, they come in different sized packs for fairly cheap and hold more water than I thought they would!
Skin tones can be tricky, too!! I've had the best success using the orangey-brown (I think it's burnt Siena) and just a tiny amount of the very light blue to desaturate it to a more natural tone, and *maybe* some white to lighten it, or the tiniest amount of black to darken. More blue makes a cooler tone while more orange makes it warmer, and adding some of the darkish yellow will help in more diverse ranges! Avoid using white to lighten your colors, adding more water does the trick just fine, and white tends to desaturate the color.
Always test your colors on a scrap piece of paper, and mix more than you think you need! It's a lot harder to mix more of the same color than to wash your mixing tray.
I also highly recommend a mixing pan or tray so you can properly dilute your paints, these are far too pigmented for use straight from the pan. Plastic works perfectly well, but I'm fond of porcelain as it's easier to clean.
Paper type and weight is also very important! Any papers under 80lbs will not hold up to water mediums, but I use 90lbs for sketching and 150lbs for finished pieces and professional work. The heavier your paper weight, the more water it can hold without crinkling, and allows you to build up colors by glazing (adding a wash of color over a dried wash) and an easy way to prevent bending is to tape the edges of your paper to a board (a styrofoam board covered in scotch tape is great so you can manipulate orientation more easily and is a lightweight and cheap option) artist's tape is preferred as it has less adhesive, but if you stick masking tape to a cloth surface (I tend to use my jeans) a few times makes it easier to peel off, and if you have a heat gun, using it along the tape also releases the adhesive so as to prevent tearing your paper.
As far as watercolor paper goes, whether you prefer hot or cold press is a personal stylistic choice. Cold press is more textured with a thicker grain and the paper absorbs the color and is generally more recommended for beginner use as it dries faster, and might feather out more Hot press (my preferred) is smoother with a smaller grain and the color tends to sit on top of the paper, and dries slower which gives more time for manipulating the color, and tends to have crisper edges. Canson is an affordable brand that I'd recommend for beginners or sketches, where Arches is top quality that I'd suggest for professional use due to its assurance of lightfastness and price. Canson is more widely available, and I'd suggest purchasing Arches in large sheets you can cut down from dickblick's website. I've also heard bumblebee is a good brand, but haven't personally tried it out yet
Experiment with different things and find what suits you best!
Overall these are the best panned watercolors I've found on the market, and I'll definitely stick with them and buy again!!
Another issue is lightfastness. I know the lightfastness of Western brands such as Winsor Newton and Daniel Smith, but not the lightfastness of these paints because I don't know what pigment is actually used in the paint. But their reputation is very good, from reading a number of tests done.
The paints don't rewet on paper quite as well as some of the non-staining colors I use from tubes, but over all they are bright, work up easily and are very pretty colors. At the price, a student might have good luck with these colors.
For illustration, you can't beat them. I still prefer my Daniel Smith or Da Vinci or Winsor Newton for watercoloring but these are very fun and so reasonably priced, they are excellent for cards and illustrations.
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2018
Another issue is lightfastness. I know the lightfastness of Western brands such as Winsor Newton and Daniel Smith, but not the lightfastness of these paints because I don't know what pigment is actually used in the paint. But their reputation is very good, from reading a number of tests done.
The paints don't rewet on paper quite as well as some of the non-staining colors I use from tubes, but over all they are bright, work up easily and are very pretty colors. At the price, a student might have good luck with these colors.
For illustration, you can't beat them. I still prefer my Daniel Smith or Da Vinci or Winsor Newton for watercoloring but these are very fun and so reasonably priced, they are excellent for cards and illustrations.
One thing to consider when purchasing this set is that Japanese watercolors are slightly different from most Western European watercolors. Some of the colors are slightly opaque (most of these you can see on the palette photos, if a color is a pale shade in the pan then it's going to be pretty opaque), while others have amazing transparency. I watched an excellent review that explained the differences between the two in style and consistency. To summarize that review, this style of watercolors is not intended for extensive mixing. They are more transparent than gouache, but less transparent than most watercolors available in the US. Many of the colors are already a mix of pigments, so mixing more than two could give you muddy colors. Finally, most watercolors in this style are said to use animal glues rather than gum arabic, so this may not be the best set for vegans or others who avoid animal products (I have yet to confirm that this is the case with Kuretake).
I believe this set was originally targeted towards crafters in Japan, rather than serious artists. This is largely the reason why I put off purchasing this set until now. I've tried some other relatively inexpensive watercolors (Sakura Koi) that were quite chalky and unpleasant under my brush. These colors aren't chalky at all and are possibly more pigmented than all of the other pan watercolors I've used. They can dry a touch glossy if you put it on really thick, but I don't notice any glossiness in my artwork. There is an excellent selection of colors, and the gold and silver (well, pearl white) could be very useful without buying a special metallic set.
The colors flow relatively well on the page, perhaps not as much as paints right out of a tube, but well enough that they work well for all of the techniques I've tried. They will bloom if you use too much water, just like every watercolor brand, and as a fan of blooms, they do so beautifully. Don't let the cardboard box and low price point dissuade you from purchasing this set. If I could do it over again I would have purchased this rather than the expensive W&N Cotman palette I started with. The wells are not full to the brim (which makes them easier to work with) but they still hold a massive amount of paint, greater than a standard full pan I would estimate.
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Reviewed in Brazil on February 19, 2024