In this technique, gold leaf is applied to the vessel in the form of a pattern, then a transparent glaze is applied over the gold leaf and the vessel is fired. The glossy texture of the glaze and the shimmer of the gold leaf are truly beautiful. To begin with, gold leaf is a thin and difficult material to work with. The skillful technique of creating and expressing shapes with such gold leaf is the only thing that shines through. This underglaze gold leaf technique was invented by Aritsune Takeda of Kanazawa. Yoshida Mito, who further researched and developed the technique, is certified as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property.
