Wada Sanzo (1883-1967) was a Japanese painter, costume designer and researcher who devoted his life to the study of color theory. He believed that color was not just a decorative element, but a powerful tool for communication and expression.
Wada developed his own unique color system, which was intended to capture traditional Japanese perceptions of color. He also explored the use of color in different artistic mediums, such as painting, printmaking, and textile design. Wada's work on color theory had a significant impact on the development of modern graphic design in Japan.
His teachings and philosophy influenced generations of designers and artists, and his ideas about color continue to be studied and applied in various fields today.
Wada Sanzo
The collections
The Classic Collection
Haishoku Soukan (配色総鑑) is Wada Sanzo's foundational 6-volume work, published between 1933 and 1934. This comprehensive collection documents over one thousand carefully composed color harmonies, establishing the first systematic approach to color combinations in Japan and serving as a cornerstone reference for designers and color theorists.
The Seasons Collection
Haishoku Soukan B-hen (配色総鑑 B篇), published between 1934 and 1935, presents 72 color patterns organized around the twelve months of the Japanese year. Each palette captures seasonal color relationships and natural harmonies that reflect traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibility, offering combinations suitable for design, fashion, interior coordination, and everyday creative work.
The Design and Fashion Collection
Gohyaku-sen Shinsaku Zuanshu (五百銭新作纂書), originally published in 1937, brings together 161 color patterns drawn from early to mid-twentieth-century fashion, interior design, and graphic design applications. This collection demonstrates how Wada's color theory translates into practical design work, providing an invaluable reference that captures the aesthetic spirit of the Taisho and Showa eras.
Color Sources
Historical Books
The color combinations of all three collections are derived from Wada Sanzo's original publications from the 1930s. Some are available online as scans from libraries Like the National Diet Library Japan on Wikimedia Commons. Others directly from Wada Sanzo's historical books.
Github
Digital color values are inspired by a repository by Matt DesLauriers on Github. I corrected a few values and added missing colors.
Dictionary of Color Combinations
This project is inspired by Seigensha's Dictionary of Color Combinations. The collections presented on this website differ in structure and are based on the original color studies by Wada Sanzo. They include additional combinations not found in the books, with a focus on providing digital color values.
If you need the CMYK values, consider buying the books.
Impressum
This website is developed and maintained by Paul Ungerer, a solo designer and developer. The color data is derived from Wada Sanzo's historical publications and organized for digital use.
For inquiries or corrections, please reach out directly.