Lectures
Kanazawa's traditional gold leaf production - Spread to 1/10,000mm―

There are two types of gold foil produced and sold in Kanazawa: edged gold foil produced using traditional methods and cut-off foil made from modern methods made using glacin paper coated with carbon. The former edged 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 always used for the restoration of national treasures and important cultural properties. Another noteworthy aspect of its production 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 Shimoji paper), and most of the work of related gold leaf is spent on making this paper.
I would like to talk about this traditional process and the present and old days of gold leaf.
＊This lecture is "Production of entsuke gold leaf Takumi", one of the "○○ & TAKUMI Lecture Series: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Traditional Craftsmanships".

Date and time

Saturday, May 17, 2025 13:30-15:00 (Doors open at 13:00)

Speakers

Kenichi Matsumura (Matsumura Foil Factory, Chairman of Kanazawa Gold Foil Preservation Society)
＊Speaker Profile is listed below.

Venue

Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum 1F Multipurpose Hall

Participation fee

Free (Admission is required separately)

Capacity

The first 80 people

English interpretation

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

Reservations by

Reservations will be taken until capacity is reached.
In the case of cancellations, you may be contacted by the reservation site and allowed to re-apply.

How to Reserve

From the application button below
■Reservation Website (Links to an 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 and Kennichi)
Born in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1960
In 1978, he studied under his father, Tsuyoshi Matsumura, and became a gold leaf craftsman.
2009 Established the Kanazawa Gold Foil Traditional Technology Preservation Society for the purpose of inheriting the gold leaf with the edge.
2014 Production of entsuke gold leaf Selected Preservation Technology Selected by Agency for Cultural Affairs
2019 Director of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Award
Received the Medal with Yellow Ribbon in 2022
2023 Kanazawa City Historic buildings Repair Worker Certification

2025 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project
(Japan Arts Council; Agency for Cultural Affairs)