Feature

Terashima Yasutaro Shoten's gold thread

Established in Kyoto in 1897, gold and silver thread has been crafted through four generations. Produced through strict process control and expert craftsmanship, gold thread continues to be used in a wide range of fields, from traditional crafts to the modern textile industry. We will introduce the beauty of gold thread, which has a long history, and the honest and careful craftsmanship behind it.

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What is Japanese Gold Thread?

Gold thread is a decorative thread made by spirally wrapping real gold leaf or metal-coated film, cut into thin strips, around a core thread such as silk or polyester.
Because lacquer and gold leaf are used in the production, temperature and humidity control are extremely important, and many of the processes are carried out by artisans by hand.
It takes approximately one and a half months to complete a piece, and its unique brilliance is achieved through the accumulation of delicate and advanced techniques.

Traditionally used in Nishijin-ori textiles and kimono embroidery, the same techniques are now valued by artists, conservators and experimental designers across the world.

（1）First, the base paper made of Japanese paper is glued with Urushi lacquer evenly.

（２）A piece of gold leaf is spread over the paper and pressed carefully by hand.

（３）The completed gilded paper is cut into long thin strips.

（４）Each piece is closely wound around core thread in spiral.

（５）The completed thread is steamed and fixed.

photo by Kyoto gold and silver thread Industrial Association

Why Terashima's Gold Thread is special

Meticulous process management and sophisticated craftsmanship requiring precision down to 1/100th of a millimeter
A production system in which work times and procedures are meticulously adjusted depending on the humidity and temperature of the day
Handcrafted to ensure the gold leaf shines most beautifully
Pure gold and silver threads are produced with a high degree of manual labor, making them impossible to mass-produce
A unique luster with depth and elegance that is only possible because they are rarely available on the market

Pure gold thread Card case (white)

$175

Pure gold thread 4kake(0.33mm thicknes)

$138

Pure gold thread 1kake(0.16mm thickness)

$90

Pure gold thread 8Kake(0.55mm thickness)

$270

Pure gold thread braid strap (circular braid)

$33

Pure gold thread Card case (black)

$175

Pure gold thread 18Kake(1mm thickness)

$550

Pure gold thread 12Kake(0.82mm thickness)

$350

Pure gold thread braid strap (Yamatogumi)

$33

The workshop

Kyoto, Japan

Daigo Terashima is the fourth generation owner of Terashima Yasutaro Shoten, a gold and silver thread specialty store founded in 1897.

While supporting traditional crafts and the textile industry across the country, he also focuses on product development to make gold and silver thread more accessible.

His motto is "Sincerity and Care."
He values the passion of the craftsmen who use the thread and continues to uphold his corporate philosophy of putting his heart and soul into every word he communicates and every item he delivers.

His challenge to pass on the beauty of Kyoto's gold and silver threads to the future continues, quietly but surely.

Use cases

The mawashi (shoulder wraps) worn by sumo wrestlers
Stage and theater curtains and sleeve curtains
Hanging curtains for festival floats, mikoshi (portable shrines), and danjiri (traditional festival floats)
Textiles that complement both Japanese and Western clothing
Traditional crafts from various regions
In recent years, we have also been experimenting with creating everyday products using gold thread, such as straps, card cases, and hats.

FAQ

Will gold leaf peel over time?

Genuine gold thread is highly durable because the foil is glued to the washi paper. It rarely peels under normal handling. However, it is susceptible to abrasion, so avoid rubbing it. Also, since it is embroidery thread, it cannot be used for necklace chains, etc.

Is it suitable for restoration work?

Yes, many conservators prefer traditional Kyoto-made thread.

Is there a gold certificate?

Yes. We can provide a certificate issued by the manufacturer.

Does gold thread have a long history?

The culture of gold and silver thread is said to have been cultivated for 1,500 to 2,000 years. In Japan, traces of gold thread have been found in ancient tombs dating back to the 6th century.

How is the thickness of gold thread determined?

It is expressed in units called "kake," with larger numbers indicating thicker threads. Different threads are used depending on the application and technique.

Why is gold thread so expensive?

Because it uses pure gold and silver and many of the processes are done by hand by artisans, it requires time and skill.