Pigment is a store, lab, academy, and museum. They are “a comprehensive facility for creativity”!
A simple and elegant store made almost entirely of bamboo was designed by world-renowned artist Kengo Kuma. Here you will find quality materials. The wide variety of supplies include pigments in 4,500 hues, 200 kinds of Sumi ink sticks and 50 types of isinglass (including original formulas). You can find paintbrushes and calligraphy brushes made with squirrel, weasel and other types of hairs. The employee uniforms feature the shop with their unique colors. Definitely ask the employees to show their uniform to you if you visit.
Pigment stands out because of the research and education they can provide. There are public workshops you can register for that show you how to use the materials as well as explain the history. If you have a small group (4 or more) you can design your own private workshop. There are also options for workshops with English.
Most Saturdays you can sign up for a workshop to make your own paint. Once you select the pigments you will be able to move on to the mixing process while consulting with the staff. You can use crystals as a base and add pigment and honey to create a custom set of colors. (The shop shares a traditional recipe!) When you are happy with the color it is ready to take home.
The store also collects and exhibits rare inkstones and brushes.
Pigment is closed on Mondays & Thursdays. The location is about a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit and about a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Monorail Tennoz Isle Station.
Take a special tour of Pigment and create your own watercolor palette on our Discover Japan: Watercolor Pen & Ink Art Retreat!
