These tones were developed and tested by Master Horitomo, bringing his extensive experience in traditional Japanese tattooing. This collaboration with Solid Ink has resulted in a carefully curated palette, ideal for achieving the perfect colors in Japanese tattoo compositions. Down in the Read More is more information on each ink. The Horitomo Set includes the following 12 colors: Odo: This color is a yellowish brown ochre tone reminiscent of straw and the materials related to woodwork. I would also use these for the clothing of Fujin and Raijin. I like using it when I want a subtle color tone. Moegi: This is a color that has been used in Japan since the Heian Period (794-1192). In Kabuki Theatre, this is one of the three colors of the final closing curtain. It is a reserved and subtle green. I find it suitable for the base color of dragons, Fujin, oni, the kimono of samurai, as well as the leaves of kiku (chrysanthemum) and botan (peony). Wakanae: This light subtle green is based on the color of young sprouted rice. It is suitable for Buddhist pieces, kimono patterns and the underside of leaves. Koji: This reddish yellow is connected to Buddhism in Japan. I think it is a nice base color for tigers as well as for metal pieces of samurai armor. This goes well with a bright yellow to give an old world ukiyo-e irezumi feel. Kikyo: This color is derived from the flower of the same name, Kikyo, and has been used since the Heian Era (794-1192). This bluish purple is very dignified and is suitable for the kimonos of samurai and oiran. Bengara: This reddish brown color was popularized during the Edo Period (1603-1867). In Japanese irezumi this color has been used for a very long time, since the days when colors were very limited. By using Bengara, Shu and my Sumi Set, you can invoke a very "old world" look and feel. Shu: This color exists between red and orange and is a classic color of Japan. In Japanese irezumi this color has been used for a very long time, since the days when colors were very limited. By using Shu, Bengara, and my Sumi Set, you can invoke a very "old world" look and feel. Sakura: This pink was created with the cherry blossom flower in mind. In old irezumi, Shu was used for these flowers, but this modern color is more true to the actual color of the iconic Japanese flower and has a softer feel. I also feel it is great for tennyo as well as for the eye shadow on woodblock print style women. Shinbashi: Towards the end of the Meiji Era (1868-1912) this color was popular amongst the geisha of the Shinbashi district in Tokyo. It is a reserved but still bright, blue tone. Aside for its obvious use for kimono color, I feel it works great for yurei (ghosts) and yokai (supernatural creatures). Gunjo: This color is a deeper blue, similar to a toned down ultramarine. This color has been associated with men's clothing for many years in Japan. I like using this for samurai clothing and armor. Fudo Blue Black: This color was based on the color of the body of Fudo Myo-o. In the Jyu-Kyu Kan text, the skin coloration of Fudo Myo-o is described as blue-black. While there are other colorations of Fudo Myo-o, this particular color is inspired by that text and I feel is a good, strong color for Fudo Myo-o. Fudo Blue Grey: This color is meant to be used with Fudo Blue Black. These two colors together can be used to create a powerful Fudo Myo-o. If you desire to create a bit lighter toned, brighter Fudo Myo-o, you can use Fudo Blue Grey as a base and fade it out with a 50-50 mix of Fudo Blue Grey and Solid White.
