An aqueous ink composition which comprises a compound represented by the formula (1) or the salt thereof: (1) wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkanoylamino group, an alkoxyalkoxy group, a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group or an ureido group, m and n independently represent 1 or 2, and M.sub.1 represents a cation from a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or an organic amine, or an ammonium ion. The composition has a hue and clarity suitable for the ink-jet recording, and can provide a recorded matter which is excellent in light resistance, water resistance and moisture resistance and can be controlled with respect to the degree of the discoloration or fading by the action of ozone. ##STR00001##