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Kyoto Pastels: 36

Kyoto Pastels: 36 - Main image
Kyoto Pastels: 36Kyoto Pastels: 36Kyoto Pastels: 36
$42 $84 In stock

Category: The Desktop

The "Kyoto Seki" pastel series was created by Japan's oldest manufacturer of soft pastels to replicate the traditional colors and magical light of Kyoto. If you have been using commercial, mass-manufactured pastels packed with chalks and other dusty fillers, this medium will be a revelation. Carefully handmade in small batches by artisans attuned to the way climate can affect pigment ratio and drying time, these pastels achieve the greatest saturation of color, allowing the artist to explore the pigments' full character.

Short in length (2cm, 0.8") for easy travel and outdoor sketching
Made in Japan by Gondola, a 4th generation family company

Also available in a set of 12, here.

Part of our Japanese Minimalism and Writing Instruments collections.

Customer Reviews (5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Emily ★★★★★

The pigment payoff is unreal—a single pass gives that same dusty, luminous tone I remember from walking through Gion at dusk. These soft pastels blend like butter and the set of 36 covers every shade I need for my urban sketches. My only worry is going through my favorites too fast.

Isabella ★★★★★

The color range captures that soft, hazy Kyoto light perfectly—the pinks especially have a dusty, almost nostalgic depth. I've used commercial pastels for years and these feel denser, less crumbly on the tooth of the paper. Definitely pricier, but for these particular hues, worth every cent.

Michael ★★★★★

These blend so smoothly it feels like cheating—the pigment payoff is ridiculous for how soft the sticks are. I've painted three small studies this week just to keep playing with those muted Kyoto pinks and greys.

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