Pink Dianthus & Water 撫子と水色

About this combination

Nadeshiko — the fringed pink flower — was the standard metaphor for Japanese feminine ideals in classical poetry. Mizu-iro, water color, is the blue of a cold spring seen through ferns. The pair is lyrical, seasonal, and tender.

Where it works

• Cosmetics and skincare
• Children's book covers
• Soft editorial with a cool twist

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.