KIRIKANE

Kirikane is a refined technique in which ultra-thin gold leaf is layered and fused over charcoal, then meticulously cut sometimes as fine as a strand of hair and arranged into intricate patterns with only the tip of a brush. Originating in Buddhist art from China, kirikane adorned sacred robes in radiant gold. Though it nearly vanished with the advent of gold mud, the tradition was uniquely preserved in Japan. In modern times, it has quietly revived within the world of fine crafts, restoring its delicate splendor.