Kasane Nioi

From March 13, we will present the exhibition “Kasane Nioi” at Iwakura AA, exploring the theme of color, fragrance, and gradation.

Three traditional color combinations were selected from the book Kasane no Irome, which documents Japan’s classical color culture.
Based on the layering and subtle transitions of these colors, perfumer Kan Izumi created three fragrances, while Hakimono Sekizuka produced three pairs of handcrafted footwear.

The three colors were chosen while considering the composition of the exhibition and the atmosphere of the space—guided by the sense that fragrance might gently emerge from the seasonal mood and the gradation of the colors themselves.

As we live our lives, we accumulate experiences: moments of beauty, memories, and at times even bitterness.
When we encounter a color and recall its name, those memories begin to surface.
A fragrance evokes the seasons and the natural world.
A pair of footwear suggests the clothing that might accompany it.

From what is present, we begin to imagine what is not yet there.
Through this exhibition, we hope visitors will enjoy this quiet play of imagination.

During the exhibition period, both the fragrances and footwear will also be available through our online store.
We warmly invite those who are far away to experience the collection as well.

Sales Period | March 13 – March 24

98 氷重(こおりがさね)⁣

Kōrigasane (Layered Ice)

Outer: Torinoko / Inner: White
From Shiki no Irome

In this combination, the outer layer is Torinoko, a very pale yellow with a subtle grey nuance, paired with white to create a delicate variation in tone.
The color suggests the quiet clarity of ice reflecting light—
its faint bluish transparency and the soft brightness that appears when light passes through it.

20 菫

Sumire (Violet)

Outer: Violet / Inner: Pale Violet
From Usuyō no Irome and Irome Hishō

This color combination represents the violet blossoms that bloom in early spring, created through the pairing of violet on the outside and pale violet beneath.
The name sumire is said to derive from sumi-ire (“ink container”), as the shape of the flower resembles a carpenter’s ink pot (sumitsubo).
The color reflects the gentle purple petals and the quiet depth of shadow that lies within them.

29 山吹の匂

Yamabuki no Nioi (Kerria Glow)

Outer: Yamabuki / Inner: Yellow
From Irome Hishō

In this combination, the outer layer is yamabuki, paired with yellow beneath.
Here the word nioi does not refer to fragrance, but to the gradual transition of color, deepening from the lower layers upward.
The layering evokes the luminous blossoms of yamabuki shining in the light of spring, expressing their shifting tones through the overlap of garments.