Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolour "Art Nouveau" Set of 24
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolour “Art Nouveau” Set of 24 is a professional-grade pan watercolour set made with water-based pigment, designed for artists who want rich colour, smooth blending, and versatility between transparent washes and opaque gouache effects. Whether you're sketching, illustrating, or exploring sumi-e techniques, this set solves the challenge of achieving both depth and control in a single palette.
Inspired by Art Nouveau colour sensibilities from the late 19th–early 20th century, these Japanese watercolours (also called pan watercolour or solid watercolour paints) offer a creamy activation and strong colour payoff—making them a standout choice for artists working across paper tones, including darker surfaces.
- Brand: Kuretake
- Product Type: Pan watercolour set (solid watercolour paints)
- Set Size: 24 colours
- Paint Type: Water-based pigment
- Finish: Opaque to transparent depending on dilution
- Dimensions: 201 × 220 × 17 mm (W7.91 × D8.66 × H0.67 in)
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Colours in thi set: Saffron Yellow, Green Gold, Flax Beige, Ecru Beige, Pale Pink, Coral Pink, Potter’s Pink, Vermilion, Alizarin Crimson, Mauve Taupe, Old Mauve, Greyish Blue, Cobalt Turquoise Light, Pale Aqua, Cobalt Green, Billiard Green, Shadow Green, Pea Green, Ivy Green, Green Grey, Beige Grey, Yellow Brown, Mars Yellow, Venetian Red.
[+] The Creative Details: Performance & Feel (Click to Expand)
Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolours are known for their creamy-smooth activation, which allows you to pick up generous pigment quickly with minimal effort. Unlike many Western pan watercolours, these paints can behave more like gouache when used thickly—offering a soft opacity that’s especially useful on toned or dark paper.
The water-based pigment formulation means you can control transparency with water. Use it diluted for luminous washes, or more concentrated for bold, velvety colour passages with a slightly matte finish.
What makes this set different: The Art Nouveau palette leans into muted florals, historical greens, and nuanced neutrals—ideal for illustration, botanical work, and decorative compositions inspired by classic design movements.
Who it’s for: Illustrators, watercolour painters, urban sketchers, and mixed media artists who want flexible paint behaviour in one set.
Compared to traditional watercolour: These are less strictly transparent and more forgiving for layering and corrections, but may not behave identically to highly staining professional tube watercolours.
Explore other Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolours or expand your palette with Kuretake Gansai Tambi single colour pans.
[+] Studio Guide: How to Use & Store (Click to Expand)
Activation: Add a small amount of water to the pan and allow it to soften briefly before painting. This helps achieve the signature creamy consistency.
Application techniques: Use light dilution for washes and gradients, or minimal water for more opaque, gouache-like effects. Ideal for layering, blending, and expressive brushwork.
Surface compatibility: Works best on watercolour paper. Can also be used on toned or dark paper where opacity helps colours remain visible.
Clean-up: Water-based and easy to clean with water. Allow pans to dry before closing the case.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. In Canadian climates, avoid leaving the set in freezing temperatures, as repeated freeze-thaw cycles may affect moisture balance.
Safety: Not for consumption. Suitable for general studio use; supervision recommended for younger users.
[+] Artist FAQs: Your Questions Answered (Click to Expand)
Are these watercolours or gouache?
They are water-based pigment watercolours. However, they can behave like gouache when used with less water.
Can beginners use this set?
Yes. The smooth activation makes them easy to control, even for beginners.
Do these paints work on dark paper?
Yes. Their opacity allows colours to show up more clearly than traditional transparent watercolours.
Can I blend these colours easily?
Yes. The creamy consistency allows for smooth blending directly on the palette or paper.
Are these paints permanent or lightfast?
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Can I use these for calligraphy or sumi-e?
Yes. They are well suited for brush-based techniques including sumi-e and expressive ink-style work.
How do these compare to Western watercolor sets?
They tend to be more opaque and creamy. Western watercolor (US spelling) is often more transparent and fluid.
Do I need special brushes?
No. Standard watercolour brushes work well with this set.