Wada’s combinations are often categorized by "feeling." Use the muted earth tones for organic, calming brands, and the high-contrast trios for editorial layouts.
A Dictionary of Color Combinations available at actualsource.org
The Dictionary of Color Combinations (originally published as Nihon no Dento Iro to Haishoku ), created by the Japanese artist and costume designer Sanzo Wada in the 1930s, is widely considered a masterpiece of color theory. For graphic designers, artists, and historians, obtaining a digital copy (PDF) is often a priority for quick reference. However, finding a legal, high-quality PDF link requires understanding the distinction between the original public domain work and modern reprints.
The dictionary is structured to help you choose harmonious palettes based on the number of colors you need:
While there is no single official "free" PDF link from the publisher, various digital versions and companion guides of Sanzo Wada's seminal work, , are available across design and archive platforms. Digital Versions & Links
The most renowned Japanese color resource is Sanzo Wada's "A Dictionary of Color Combinations (originally published in the 1930s as Haishoku Sōkan