Gold in Shadow

Finished

Gold has been processed into various forms for decoration and has been used for kinsai in crafts. Gold leaf, which is actively manufactured in Kanazawa, is one of the materials used for kinsai. This exhibition introduces the gold leaf production in Kanazawa, which has made great progress in the modern age and shows the magical power of gold leaf to transform crafts into unique works of art.

Part I, "Gold Leaf and Kanazawa," traces how gold leaf production in Kanazawa began and developed, and introduces gold leaf production, especially rimmed gold leaf, which is now practiced only in Kanazawa, and the crafts that use it. Enzuke kinpaku is produced using traditional methods and skilled handiwork and was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020 (traditional kinpaku and enzuke).

In the second part of the exhibition, "Crafts and Gilding," a wide variety of forms of gilding found in lacquerware, dyeing and weaving, pottery, and other crafts will be introduced. The gentle glow of gold paint, the shimmering plain patterns, the brilliantly shining sandy colors, and the gold threads that weave in and out of light.

[Events]
1. Commemorative Lecture "The Beautiful World of Gilded Gold: The Charm of Gold and Gold Leaf
Date: Sunday, April 23, 13:30-15:00
Lecturer: Mr. Tatsufumi Yamazaki (Professor Emeritus, Kanazawa Gakuin University)
Venue: Museum Hall (190 people on a first-come, first-served basis)
Admission free, no application required

2. Gallery Talk
Date: April 30 (Sun), May 4 (Thu, holiday), 6 (Sat), 7 (Sun), each day from 13:30
Admission required, no registration necessary

3. Saturday Lectures (held from 13:30 to 15:00)
May 13 (Sat): "Gold Leaf with Rim and Crafts" by Kazuko Terakawa (curator of the museum)
May 20 (Sat): "Gold and Silver Painting and Kutani Ware" by Nara Ryuichi (curator of the museum)
4. Workshop: "Let's Paint on Mini Byobu!
Date: Sunday, May 14
(1) 10:00 - [for parents and children] (2) 14:00 - [for adults] (3) 10:00 - [for adults] (4) 10:00 - [for children
Venue: Museum Lecture Room
Please check the official website for event details and how to register.

Schedule

Apr 23 (Sun) 2023-May 28 (Sun) 2023