About this combination
Gunjō is ground lapis lazuli — the blue of Buddhist statuary hair and illuminated sutras. Gofun, a chalk white made from ground oyster shell, is the traditional gesso of Japanese painting. Together they are the base and sky of classical temple art.
Where it works
- Fine art and museum branding
- Book covers for classic literature
- Luxury packaging that earns restraint
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.