Lecture
Kanazawa's traditional gold leaf production – 1/10,000mm―

There are two types of gold leaf produced and sold in Kanazawa: rim gold leaf manufactured using traditional construction methods and cut gold leaf of modern construction methods manufactured using gracin paper applied with carbon. The former gold leaf is made with time and effort by traditional techniques that have been practiced for more than 400 years, and this gold leaf is almost always used to restore national treasures and important cultural properties. Another noteworthy aspect of its manufacturing is the use of handmade Japanese paper. In order to produce high-quality gold leaf, it is most important to prepare this Japanese paper (called base paper), and most of the work of marginal gold leaf is spent on preparing this paper.
I would like to talk about this traditional process and the present and past of gold leaf.
＊This lecture is "Production of entsuke gold leaf Takumi", one of the series of "XX Takumi" lecture series: From the skills of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Property Architects.

Date and time

Sunday, May 17, 2025 13:30 to 15:00 (Open at 13:00)

Speakers

Kenichi Matsumura (Matsumura Foil Factory, Chairman of Kanazawa Gold Foil Traditional Technology Preservation Society)
＊Instructor profile is listed below.

Venue

Multipurpose Hall on the 1st floor of Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

Participation fee

Free (requires Admission)

Capacity

The first 80 people

English interpreter

If you wish, please enter ✓ (check) on the reservation page by 4/30 (Wednesday).

Application deadline

Due to the first-come, first-served basis, it will end as soon as the capacity is reached.
If a cancellation is made, the reservation-only site will be able to apply again.

How to apply

From the application button below
■Reservation-only site (linked to external site*1)
★Please select a schedule from the calendar at the bottom of the reservation page and proceed with the application.

Kenichi Matsumura (Matsumura, Kennichi)
Born in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1960
In 1978, he studied under his father, Matsumura Yori, and became a gold leaf craftsman.
In 2009, the Kanazawa Gold Foil Traditional Technology Preservation Society was established with the aim of inheriting gold leaf related to the relationship.
Production of entsuke gold leaf was selected as a preservation technology selected by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2014.
Received the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2019
Received the Medal with Yellow Ribbon in 2022
2023 Kanazawa City Historic buildings Repair Worker Certification

2025 Japan Expo 2.0 Project (subsidized type)
(Japan Arts and Culture Promotion Association / Agency for Cultural Affairs)