This is the gold thread that is using a high-purity gold leaf
This is the gold thread that is using a high-purity gold leaf.
Each crafting process needs manual work. The thread gives off beautiful luster.
First the base paper made of Japanese paper is glued with urushi lacquer.
A piece of gold leaf is spread over the paper and pressed carefully by hand.
The condition of the lacquer determining the luster of the gold leaf or fixing gold leaf depends heavily on humidity and temperature of the day.
Craftsman's experience and intuition for many years is required for identifying the condition of the lacquer.
Then the gilded paper is cut into long thin strips and each piece is closely wound around core thread in spiral.
The pure gold thread is made up in this way.
The material of core thread is as follows: Silk thread dyed yellow is used for fine count.
Rayon and cotton thread is used for low count.
Gold and silver thread is one of the traditional crafts of Kyoto,Japan with a very long history.
It has been used for ornamental apron of Sumo wrestlers or KESHOUMAWASHI or for embroidering on dress.
On drop curtains and sleeves of stages and theaters, and even in various festivals held throughout the Japan you can see the decoration of the thread on the special cover of textiles, KESOUMAKU for the Japanese parade float, DASHI or the portable shrine, MIKOSHI.
The gorgeous brightness amuses eyes of a lot of people.
Terashima Yasutarou shouten has inherited the traditional skills since its inception in1897 in four generations.
They have continued the production of gold and silver thread in Kyoto since its inception in 1897.
Nowadays it is used not only for Kyoto local traditional industries but also for traditional crafts in various places in Japan and also for textiles regardless of country.
Terashima's gold silver thread, gold leaf, and vapor deposition film and so on have been used.
"Along with the changing times, technology associated with the production of gold and silver thread and the materials have also changed in various ways.
It is a matter of course to keep the old traditions and texture, we are also seeking new texture or new technology , also we think giving variety of suggestions to customers is one of the most important roles. "(Mr.Terashima says so.)
About thread count
A unit to indicate thickness of the gold or silver thread is called "Kake"in Japamese.
1Kake, 2Kake, 3Kake ....from thinner count in order, it becomes to thicker count.
This thread is used for braiding, embroidering, making decorations to works, products and so on in various ways.
The thickness of the thread used is very different depends on the purpose.
The crafting process of gold thread
Gold thread is what gilded paper is cut into long thin strips and each piece is closely wound around core thread in spiral. Production of gold thread needs manual work in many processes.
The lacquer and gold leaf of the material needs the humidity control, temperature control by craftsmen.
It takes one and a half months from the first process to the end.
（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
