About Japan Paint Index

A searchable reference for artists outside Japan who want to choose Japanese paints by what is in the tube.

Where the data comes from

• Color names, Colour Index pigment codes, lightfastness, transparency, staining, granulation, caution marks and set contents: Holbein Artists' Watercolor catalog (English/Japanese edition) and its color list.
• Prices: Holbein price revision table 2026/11 (effective 2026-11-02). These are suggested retail prices in Japan excluding 10% consumption tax. In that revision Holbein moved 8 colors to a higher price series; their color pages show the previous series.
• Exchange rate for USD guides: 157.05 JPY per USD, derived from the ECB euro reference rates of 2026-10-22.

We record facts such as codes and ratings and write our own descriptions. Swatch colors on this site are approximate digital values and will not match the real paint; check a hand-painted chart before buying.

Independence

Japan Paint Index is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Holbein Art Materials Inc. Product and brand names belong to their owners.

Links and commissions

Some links to retailers may in future be affiliate links, which pay us a commission at no extra cost to you. They will be labelled. Links currently go to the manufacturer only.