Coffer with design in kirikane. “Beautiful as jewel”

Description

• Category
  Kirikane cut foil embellishing
• Materials
  Zelkova, Gold leaf, Platinum leaf
• Dimensions
  H 15.2 x W 14.4 x D 14.4 cm
• Year presented
  2023
• Rarity
  Unique

Techniques Used

Kirikane cut foil embellishing

Kirikane cut foil embellishing was originally used to lavishly decorate Buddhist images. Today the technique is employed on decorative boxes and other craft objects. First, layers of gold leaf made by beating gold into thin, paper-like sheets are heated and combined over a charcoal fire. The resulting foil is cut into shapes such as lines, squares, and triangles using a bamboo knife. A brush is used to apply the cut foil in the desired pattern, and the piece is complete.

Selected exhibitions

• The 70th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2023)
• Selected