KANAZAWA-HAKU (GOLD LEAF CRAFTING)

KANAZAWA-HAKU
(GOLD LEAF CRAFTING)
HISTORY & FEATURES

In the late 16th century, the production of gold leaf was promoted in accordance with the arts and crafts promotion policy of the lord of the Kaga clan. Although production of gold leaf outside of Edo and Kyoto was prohibited by the Edo Shogunate, production of metal leaves continued in Kanazawa under the protection of the lord of the Kaga clan. After the lifting of the prohibition of production in 1864, Kanazawa gold leaf developed greatly in quality and quantity.
A piece of gold alloy the size of a coin is pounded and spread into a leaf measuring 7m², and with a thickness of 0.1micron. The traditional technique used has been handed down over the generations. Now Kanazawa boasts 99% of the total production of Japanese gold leaves. Gold leaves have long been used to decorate craft items such as Buddhist altars, and lacquer and ceramic wares, and they are now also used as ingredients for medicines and cosmetics.