About this combination
Enji is a deep, slightly cool crimson — a lake dye traditionally made from cochineal insects. Matsuba is the dark green of pine needles. Together they are the auspicious color scheme of New Year decorations: pine branches tied with red cord.
Where it works
- Winter campaigns, holiday branding
- Wine and spirits
- Heritage editorial
Historical context
This palette is inspired by the tradition of Sanzo Wada's 1933 Dictionary of Color Combinations, which cataloged combinations drawn from centuries of Japanese cultural life. The specific colors here use traditional shikisai names that have been in the public domain for generations.