Placemat "Kodai-Haku" Gold Gradation (40x30x3cm)

Size: 40 x 30 x3cm

Weight: 423g

Material: Resin, Kanazawa-Haku

About products

It is a mat that makes use of the color of gold leaf. It will be an accent that colors the dining table scene. It is ideal for both gifts and hospitality. 

What is Kanazawa-Haku (Kanazawa gold leaf)?

Kanazawa-Haku is exquisite gold leaf produced in Kanazawa-city (Ishikawa prefecture), where 98% of Japan's gold leaf is made.

The history dates back to Japan's ancient Bunroku-era (600 years ago), when the leading military general ordered the feudal lord to begin production of gold leaf. Despite the temporary ban set by the Shogunate in later Edo era designating Edo-gold leaf as the only permitted production, Kanazawa gold leaf was secretly being made, pursuing higher quality with limited resources available. During this process, more sophisticated technique was developed and later on, their devotion to gold leaf making led the reputation as the best quality in Japan.

Nowadays, Kanazawa-Haku is widely used in various kinds of handicrafts including lacquerware, Buddhist objects, textiles, potteries and more. In fact, Kanazawa's cold and wet climate as well as water quality significantly contribute to better quality gold leaf.

What is Kodai-haku?

Kodai-haku is the original Kanazawa leaf made by Hakuichi in Kanzawa, Ishikawa prefecture. Until then, gold leaf, silver leaf and other metal leaf had been only the colour of the metal itself. The founder of Hakuichi invented the special gradation process that the gold colour changes from the centre of the foil into bluish or reddish colours. Each piece of leaf has different hue.

Since Kodai-Haku technonogy requires the special processing for producing, the available part of Kodai-haku leaf gets smaller than that of gold leaf. Due to its scarcity value, Kodai-Haku is usually more expensive than gold leaf.