青幻舎 SEIGENSHA Art Publishing

This book is a collection of 348 color combinations originated by Sanzo Wada (1883-1967) who, in that time of increasingly avant-grade and diversified use of color, was quick to focus on the importance of color and laid the foundation for contemporary color research. 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.

Sanzo Wada’s interest in color prompted him to found the Japan Standard Color Association (present-day Japan Color Research Institute) in 1927. Active not only as a color researcher but also as an artist, fashion designer, and stage and film art director, he received the 1954 Academy Award for Best Costume Design for Gate of Hell and was recognized as a Person of Cultural Merit by the Japanese government in 1958.