An azo metal chelate compound of an azo compound of the formula (I) with a metal: ##STR1## wherein A is a residue forming a heterocyclic ring together with the carbon atom and the nitrogen atom to which it is bonded, X is a residue forming an aromatic group together with the two carbon atoms to which it is bonded, R.sup.1 is an alkyl group which may be substituted, an aryl group which may be substituted, an alkenyl group which may be substituted, or a cycloalkyl group which may be substituted, Y is a hydrogen atom or a cation, and n is an integer of from 1 to 3.