Last Updated on : May 9th, 2025
PIGMENT TOKYO now carries “ Mino Artists' Oil Colours” by KUSAKABE CORPORATION.
This series is crafted using single pigments, delivering stunning, high-quality shades that highlight Japan's innovative artistry.
Even when applied in thin layers, these colors adhere beautifully and maintain their brilliant vibrancy, making them an excellent choice for professionals and anyone seeking fine quality in expression and paint.
PIGMENT TOKYO "Mino Artists’ Oil Colours"
KUSAKABE CORPORATION began manufacturing oil paints in Japan under its predecessor, KUSAKABE Oil Paint Manufacturing Corporation in 1928.
Once discontinued through consolidation, the Mino Brand professional oil paints were renewed in 2021 based on the experience and knowledge of the former KUSAKABE oil paint specialists.
Nearly 50 years have passed since the introduction of the first Mino paint, and the landscape of paint production has transformed significantly. With advancements in technology, we now have access to a wider array of high-performance and highly functional raw materials. Moreover, the wealth of technology and knowledge accumulated over the years has led to the creation of a lineup of paints derived from finely ground natural minerals, which are notorious for their challenging processing requirements.
Among the lineup, one of the standout offerings is Mino Artists' Oil Colour 08 LAPIS LAZULI (GENUINE), crafted from natural lapis lazuli.
This exquisite mineral, known as ultramarine blue, creates a stunningly deep hue, which is also celebrated as "Vermeer blue," famously used by the 17th-century painter Johannes Vermeer.
This oil paint is highly recommended for those passionate about classical techniques and materials.
Other eye-catching colours include earthy tones that evoke the essence of earth and plants.
TERRE VERTE (GENUINE), RAW UMBER and BURNT UMBER all feature tranquil, moist and subdued shades that radiate true beauty.
Moreover, it's worth mentioning that the color, TERRE VERTE, is made from Japanese green earth.
Let's take a look at the actual color of the paint.
The colors I used are PHTHALO BLUE, QUINACRIDONE MAGENTA and QUINOPHTHALONE YELLOW.
The paint texture on the palette gives off a slightly softer feel. Since it has a glossier sheen and higher viscosity than the tube paint in the same brand's Oil Colors Stripe Clear Box, it is ideal for expressions that require a more delicate touch.
This is what happened when I lightly mixed PHTHALO BLUE, QUINACRIDONE MAGENTA and QUINOPHTHALONE YELLOW with a palette knife. Since the medium and pigments are well dispersed, the texture is very smooth and color mixing is effortless.
This is when those same colors are spread thinly. Oil paint takes time to dry, so it is possible to create beautiful gradations even with thin layers of paint, like the picture shown.
Mino Artists’ Oil Colours embody the exceptional craftsmanship of the Japanese manufacturer.
You sure will be captivated by the smooth paint texture the second you try them. Therefore, we invite you to experience the artistry and discover the difference for yourself!
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
Akira Oya
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.