It is an object of the present invention to provide a method capable of easily identifying a coloring material composition. The method performs a chromatography step of loading a subject sample containing the coloring material composition to a chromatography apparatus that holds a separating base material containing a cellulosic material and a metallic oxide material, and of performing a chromatography using a mobile phase of a liquid in the analysis of the coloring material composition. According to such a chromatography apparatus, coloring materials contained in the coloring material composition can be favorably and easily separated.