Ornamental dish with althea design in underglaze gold.

Underglaze gold

Underglaze gold (yūri kinsai) is achieved by applying designs in gold leaf or gold pigment to a glazed surface, which is then coated in a second, transparent glaze and fired. Because more than one variety of glaze is used to encase the gold, the firing temperature must be closely controlled, and the process demands significant skill. The outer layer of transparent glaze protects the gold and gives it a pleasing, muted appearance.