December is the time of year that we gather around and prepare presents for our loved ones.
In PIGMENT TOKYO, you may find carefully selected high-quality art materials that make wonderful gifts not only for artists but also for art enthusiasts who would like to try using them.
In this article, we introduce you to the perfect choice of gifts that will inspire you to create!
Soft Pastel
Pastels are drawing materials made by solidifying pigments with a binder.
At first glance, they look similar to crayons. The main difference from crayons is that the binder of soft pastels is water-based.
It does not contain wax and its fixing power is weaker than oil-based binders, so it is necessary to spray a fixing solution called pastel fixative when the drawing is done.
The advantage of this art material is its simplicity and ease of use.
For example, if you want to use watercolors or oil paints, you need to prepare a medium, thinning solution and water in addition to the paints, but pastels require only minimal tools.
Gondola Pastels are carefully handcrafted one by one to match the colors of Japanese scenery by the Kyoto-based art materials manufacturer, OHKAN KAGAKU KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
The gradation of colors in the boxes looks like our pigment shelves in the store, and you can tell how mesmerizing it is by just looking at the packaging.
We hope you will enjoy these made-in-Japan color materials, which were developed by a special request from Chiyoji Yazaki, a painter from the Meiji to Showa periods.
Oil Pastel
In the first place, this oil pastel was produced by Henri Goetz, a Parisian painter who asked to manufacture oil-based stick paints for his friend, Pablo Picasso.
Pablo Picasso was looking for a painting medium that could be used freely on any surface without fading or cracking, and through their collaboration, the peerless Sennelier oil pastels were born.
While dry pastels are made with a water-based binder, oil pastels are solid drawing materials kneaded with an oil-based binder.
In other words, the texture is similar to crayons but the main difference of oil pastels from school art supplies like crayons is the richness of color and smoothness of touch when drawing with them.
In particular, Sennelier oil pastels are made with the finest and most concentrated pigments, waxes, and non-drying binders. As a result, it has excellent lightfastness and opacity which makes it possible to draw with great intensity and clarity of the colors.
Their moderate hardness makes them possible for heavy expressions such as oil painting.
Moreover, oil pastels can be painted on various materials such as cardboard, wood, plywood, ceramics, plaster, metal, plastic, glass, and film.
You can find more information on how to use Gondola Pastels and oil pastels in the following articles.
Gansai Tambi
Gansai Tambi is a series of solid transparent watercolors that have vivid colors and dissolve quickly in water.
There are color variations inspired by the Japanese color palette.
As Gansai Tambi can be easily painted with a brush dipped in water, there are multiple situations in which you can use them, such as drawing to decorate letters, watercolor paintings and illustrations.
Another feature of this series is the use of human and nature-friendly raw materials. The materials are safe both during and after use, meeting international safety standards in consideration of health and the environment. (AP Mark certified by the American Painting Materials Association)
Based on the concept of Gansai Tambi, more series with effect colors are available.
For more details, please check out the following article.
Card・Paper Craft
When giving a gift, we never forget to add a greeting card because it’s a lovely way to express your gratitude and thoughts through a handwritten message.
Here are PIGMENT TOKYO’s original greeting cards. There are three different laser-cut designs, the pine, bamboo, and plum tree which each comes with a Mt.Fuji patterned envelope. The colors of the cards can be glimpsed when placed in the envelopes.
Metal Leaf Postcard
We also carry unique origami postcards inspired by Japanese art and scenery. The origami are made and designed by Rekiseisha, a company known for producing high-quality paper products incorporating traditional gilding techniques.
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Metal Leaf Paper Craft
Daruma [Gold]View Products -
Metal Leaf Paper Craft
Daruma [Silver]View Products
The origami postcards also come with designs that are based on Japanese lucky charms. Therefore, it is perfect as a gift for wishing your loved ones happiness and prosperity!
PIGMENT TOKYO also offers original shopping bags and wrapping service.
Along with the collaboration of the spoken words project, which is famously known for its hand-dyed and printed clothing production, the original Denim Tote Bag and Denim Shoulder Bag are now available at PIGMENT TOKYO!
The textile design is inspired by the Ishi (stones or minerals in Japanese), the raw material of the pigments carried by PIGMENT TOKYO.
Each comes in its unique texture and pattern thanks to the hand-dyeing technique.
The indigo denim shade is printed on the woven, pure white denim fabric and then, it runs through the process of washing several times, after that, finished with a hand wash. This is how the unique “stone” finish was created, through the use of materials, hand-printing techniques, and friction.
Although the bag is amazing as a present on its own, you may also fill it with a few other hand-picked items and turn it into a thoughtful gift set.
Last but not least, visit our PIGMENT TOKYO website for more information and a wider selection of art materials.
We wish you a memorable and delightful holiday season with authentic art gifts this year.
Translated by Nerlson Hor Ee Herng, Atsumi Okano
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
Natsuko Shiraishi
Graduated from the Textile Design at Tama Art University. She is an artist who mainly works with original Washi paper and calligraphy.
Graduated from the Textile Design at Tama Art University. She is an artist who mainly works with original Washi paper and calligraphy.