Blockx Watercolor Bijou Box, 24 Colors

Blockx (pronounced "blocks") is one of the finest traditional manufacturers of artist colors in the world. The Blockx legacy begins in 1865 with Jacques Blockx I, a Belgian chemist who developed his own formulas for permanent paints. His pioneering work was quickly noticed by prominent painters, who had largely been producing their own paints by hand and were eager to explore a broader, more consistent range of colors. Salvador Dalí wrote about Jacques Blockx I: "This man who never painted, will contribute more to the painters of tomorrow than what we will have accomplished, all the modern painters together."

Five generations of Blockx family chemists have continued in the tradition of the company's founder, producing only the highest quality paints using traditional stone mills, small batches, and low speeds. This labor-intensive process allows the individual qualities of each pigment to shine through, and you will notice that each Blockx watercolor is different in texture, flow, intensity, and finish.

Unlike other brands, Blockx colors are not individually rated for lightfastness, because every color is permanent and suitable for museum-quality work. These artisan-made paints will suit even the most demanding professional artist, and we are very excited to make them available to our customers in the United States.

This deluxe 24-color set offers a wide selection of fine pigments and storage space for short-handled brushes. The colors included are #311 Cadmium Yellow Pale, #212 Blockx Yellow, #313 Primary Yellow, #317 Indian Yellow, #218 Permanent Orange, #220 Pyrrole Vermilion, #425 Pyrrole Red, #322 Rose Pale Lake, #329 Quinacridone Magenta, #234 Ultramarine Violet, #253 Ultramarine Deep, #452 Cobalt Blue, #453 Cerulean Grey, #152 Primary Blue, #456 Turquoise Blue, #163 Blockx Green, #261 Viridian, #165 Phthalo Green, #213 Transparent Mars Yellow, #224 Transparent Mars Red, #111 Yellow Ochre, #121 Venetian Red, #148 Burnt Umber, and #171 Ivory Black.

The box itself is a compact metal case, in a style that's more common in Europe than here in the United States. It's called a "bijou box," French for jewel box, because of its distinctive faceted shape. This one is nice and sturdy, thickly enameled, with a smooth hinge and secure lid. There's a finger loop on the back of the tin so you can easily paint without a table.

Measuring 215 x 85 mm (8.5" x 3.3"), the Bijou Box holds standard size half pans, and the system of metal rails and clips holds them much more securely than a standard watercolor box with flexible metal tabs. Simply pull up on the clip to release the pans and replace it to secure them again.

Made in Belgium.