Holbein artist Pan collar 8 color set (made by Echizen lacquer)

This Holbein KaraKuri watercolor box is really a unique gem.I have wanted to try some Holbein Artist grade watercolor paints for quite some time, and when I discovered this exceptionally priced box of 8 half-pans, I just ordered it. I did not quite know how the box worked or even its size...it seemed somewhat unusual, and possibly even too odd to really be practical when compared to European metal palette tins, but the reasonable price ($38) for 8 half-pans was enough for me to give it a shot.I am glad I did. The plastic box is sort of a trick box, push the pan tray out...and by magic the palette tray pops out. Push the paints back and the palette pops back in. The transformer box is just "hand theater".There is a Japanese YouTube that illustrates this unique box here which is well worth watching:https://youtu.be/gYCqOVUFEs4The box is just plain fun, but this is about paint right? The paints in mine are:1. Naphthol Red2. Lemon Yellow3. Indian Yellow4. Viridian Hue5. Sap Green6. Phthalocyanine Blue7. Ultramarine Light8. Burnt SiennaThis is a nice selection of colors, I have not yet used these and compared against my usual Daniel Smith, M. Graham, and Winsor & Newton paints, but am excited to do so. All reports from various sources (handprint et al) indicate Holbein paints are all transparent and non-granulating so these will in many respects be a contrast to most of my favorite paints. I think these 8 colors represent a decent small travel palette.I bought this for the paints, but the fun box makes me smile. The travel brush included is unique too. It extends by pulling the handle. It is a semi-round, about size 4+. It appears to be a natural stiff hair, quite short, and does not hold much paint, but unlike most travel palette brushes it is actually useful, though sadly, it does not store in the little box.Specs I pulled from Holbein:Item Name: Holbein Artists' Half Pan Colors with Brush 8 Colors Set KARAKURI BOXItem Number: PN689Box size: Approximately W9.5 x D5 x H4 (cm) / W3.7 x D2 x H1.6 (inch)Brush is included.Color: 8 Colors5 solid stars for this box of fun. Later I will comment on the paints themselves and whether Holbein paints will find a place in my palettes.

I love Holbein watercolor paint. As far as the case goes, it is very pretty but a bit award to use for doing art. It would be good as a make up kit.

I love the box so much! The paints are decent too but I love and use schmincke so I gave them to my sister so I can't tell you how they are in the long run. But they stood their ground pretty well against the artist grade schmincke.

Love these water colors met expectations