From the vibrant reds of traditional kimonos to the serene blues of riverscapes and woodblock prints, this book shows that color itself is a leading figure in Japan's long and varied artistic tradition. Whether you are a collector of Japanese art, a student of art history, or simply captivated by the rich shades, tones and hues that Japanese art presents, is your key to understanding this extraordinary artistic tradition. A detailed analysis of each work shows how these color schemes evolved; how their popularity waxed and waned over time; the social and spiritual significance of certain color combinations; and the pigments and dyes used to create them. Color swatches accompany the featured artworks to show readers how colors were used in subtle combinations, including many hues, tones and tints unique to the Japanese arts. A color chart at the end of the book summarizes the beautiful colors that are most characteristic of this tradition.