Niji Artist Gouache 12 Vibrant Colors

Niji is a specialized art supply brand that has been a staple in the creative community since the mid-20th century. The brand name Niji, which translates to "rainbow" in Japanese, reflects its identity centered around vibrant colors and artistic expression. This specific product, the Artist Gouache 12-color set, is designed for designers and illustrators, offering a smooth, creamy, and opaque watercolor experience that can be used directly from the jar or diluted with water for transparent effects.

The historical roots of Niji are tied to Yasutomo and Company, a business established in 1954 in San Francisco by Ben Yasutomo. His vision was to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western art markets, initially importing Japanese stationery and art supplies to the United States. Over the decades, Yasutomo expanded the Niji line to include various innovative tools such as the celebrated Niji Waterbrush and the Painter's Roll. In October 2019, the brand underwent a significant transition when it was acquired by the American KUSA Corporation, which now oversees its global operations and distribution from its headquarters in Torrance, California.

While the brand maintains a strong heritage of Japanese-style art supplies, manufacturing occurs in multiple locations. Many components and sets are historically sourced from Japan, while other modern production runs for specific kits take place in China and other locations to maintain professional-grade quality and competitive accessibility for artists worldwide.