Ukiyo-e (expanded)
1680–1860The Floating World — woodblock prints of pleasure, nature, and the ephemeral. Utamaro's women join Hokusai's waves and Hiroshige's rain.
Woodblock printing with water-based pigments on mulberry paper. Bokashi gradient technique. Prussian blue imported from Europe revolutionized the palette.
Kitagawa Utamaro
1753–1806Japanese
Master of bijin-ga — portraits of beautiful women. Captured personality through subtle gesture and textile pattern.
Delicate color gradations (bokashi). Mica dust backgrounds for shimmer. Powdered pigments mixed with rice paste.
Mica shimmer
Silvery mica dust backgrounds — shimmering, expensive.
Material: Ground mica (kira) on mulberry paper
RGB(193, 192, 184)
Bijin lip red
Safflower red of courtesans' lips.
Material: Beni (safflower) pigment
RGB(186, 48, 48)
Lacquer hair
Glossy black of elaborate coiffures.
Material: Sumi ink (carbon black from pine soot)
RGB(14, 10, 8)
Kimono indigo
Deep indigo of fine kimono fabric.
Material: Ai (natural indigo) woodblock pigment
RGB(43, 58, 106)
Skin warmth
Bare paper with minimal flesh wash — white skin as ideal.
Material: Bare mulberry paper with light wash
RGB(232, 216, 192)
Textile purple
Purple of expensive kimono — murasaki dye.
Material: Gromwell root (murasaki) pigment
RGB(90, 58, 106)
Pigments: Lamp black
Related Materials
If this palette inspired you, here’s what to paint with.
Essdee Linocut Taster KitView on Amazon
Winsor & Newton Calligraphy Ink, Black, 30mlView on Amazon
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Studio Set, 24 Whole PansView on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, Pigmentoria earns from qualifying purchases. This page may contain affiliate links.