[Kyoto, Nijo] Tanaka Kinsai Kogei: A contemporary art piece that connects traditional techniques revived in the early Showa period to the future

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Hello! This time, CEC members visited Tanaka Kinsai Kogei, located near JR Nijo Station. Founded in Kyoto over 100 years ago, the shop has been continued by four generations and offers visitors the chance to experience the world of Kyoto hand-painted yuzen gold leaf crafts.

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Cultural Edu-tourism Council (CEC)

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What is Kinsai Kogei?

Gold leaf is a technique of decorating a variety of items using adhesive processing of gold or silver foil or gold powder, and is used not only on fabrics but also on folding screens, tableware and a variety of other items.

Applying gold leaf to the fabric makes it look gorgeous and gorgeous, creating a kimono that will captivate the hearts of those who see it. The lines drawn are fine and delicate, and this is a traditional craft that requires advanced skills.

(The top two are gold leaf applied to fabric.)

Photo courtesy of Tanaka Kinsai Kogei

(Gold leaf decoration on a fan)

Photo courtesy of Tanaka Kinsai Kogei

Tanaka Kinsai Kogei has traditionally focused on Yuzen-dyed fabrics, but the two brothers who are the fourth generation to take over the business are exploring new possibilities and passing on the techniques to the future.

The photo shows Tanaka Eito, a fourth-generation gold leaf craftsman.

Photo courtesy of Tanaka Kinsai Kogei

The "Tsutsugaki" technique produces fine gold lines

One of the techniques for gold leaf is "Tsutsugaki." It has a long history, originally based on a technique called "Itome," in which outlines were drawn with glue between patterns in Yuzen dyeing, allowing different colors to be dyed, and the white outlines that were created were then traced with gold lines. It gained popularity and was at its peak for a time, but the technique seems to have disappeared for about 60 years after that. However, the artisans who had been using glue at the time wanted to revive the technique, and it was revived in the early Showa period.

Photo courtesy of Tanaka Kinsai Kogei

We were also shown the "tube" at the end of the "tsutsugaki." Each craftsman makes an original one to suit his or her hand. It's like the tip of the icing for iced cookies or whipped cream.

Photo courtesy of Tanaka Kinsai Kogei

You can experience gold leaf at the workshop.

Gold leaf painting requires skilled techniques, and you can try your hand at this technique at the workshop.

To make a tote bag, you will use a prepared stencil, print glue onto it, and then attach colored foil to create your own original bag.

Photo: Author

Photo courtesy of Tanaka Kinsai Kogei

There are so many beautifully designed patterns that are typical of Japan that it's hard to choose.

The photo shows colored foil.

Photo courtesy of Tanaka Kinsai Kogei

You can experience making works that look like modern art in our workshops!

This time, we have prepared a special workshop for the CEC tour!

Photo courtesy of Tanaka Kinsai Kogei

A workshop where participants can make business card-sized wooden boxes with Tsutsugaki decoration.

(Note) The photo shows a different wooden box. The actual box will be business card sized and have a different design.

The undulating wave pattern of "mizugoromo" is a classic pattern that is also used on obi and other items. It has a very stylish finish that is like modern art. It is sure to please overseas guests.

The photo shows an obi sash decorated with "mizugoromo." Tsutsugaki is a somewhat difficult technique for beginners, but we encourage you to give it a try.

Photo courtesy of Tanaka Kinsai Kogei

The future of gold leaf craft is bright!

The gold leaf technique was developed over time, and after it went out of fashion, it has been revived. Its technical skill and high design quality are undeniable, and I believe it should be passed down.

In the future, I would love to see more gold leaf designs applied to things I can't even imagine.

The iris (photo below) was painted from scratch by Tanaka Eito and is entirely decorated with gold leaf.

Photo courtesy of Tanaka Kinsai Kogei

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Tanaka Gold Painting Crafts

Address: 812-34 Higashiiri Chikaracho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Phone: 075-821-0873

Access: 12 minutes on foot from JR Nijo Station

Website: https://tanaka-kinsai-craft.com/

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For guided tours and inquiries in Kyoto , please contact us here (https://www.cec-kyoto.jp/) .

Written by

Cultural Edu-tourism Council (CEC)

Kyoto

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