Kirikane Pendant / Gold Leaf Appliqué / Scarlet Mirror (Kokyo)

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

This Pendant is made using a traditional technique called Kirikane.
The red wood is finely decorated with gold and fascinates the viewer.

Kirikane is the traditional Japanese technique that uses materials such as finely beaten gold and platinum foil. These foil pieces are then cut into various shapes like squares, circles, triangles and fine stripes as thin as human hair, and then are pressed onto the art's surface.
These techniques have been preserved from ancient
Egypt and China.
In 6th century Japan these foil shapes were used to decorate Buddha and Buddhism painting.
Recently, these techniques are also used in modern craft productions.

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1400 years ago / 600AD / Asuka period in Japan

It is said that kirikane was introduced to Japan in the mid-7th century during the Asuka period, along with Buddhist statue carving and Buddhist paintings from the Korean Peninsula and mainland China.

The oldest existing example of kirikane in Japan is found on the Tamamushi Shrine housed in Horyu-ji Temple. A small, elongated rhombus-shaped gold leaf is applied to the tips of the petal motifs on the lower frame of the Shumiza (base platform).

During the Nara period, kirikane was used for decorating the garments and armor of the Standing Four Heavenly Kings statues (National Treasure) in the Hokke-do (March Hall) of Todai-ji Temple, which were made using the dry lacquer technique. Additionally, kirikane in linear and dotted patterns was applied to the fabric patterns of the Four Heavenly Kings statues in the Kaidan-do Hall of Todai-ji Temple, which were sculpted in clay.

Among the treasures of the Shosoin Repository, the Shiragi-koto (Korean zither) and the gold leaf ring-shaped phoenix decoration feature kirikane patterns, including rhombuses, pine needles, floral motifs, and curved phoenix designs.

The Heian Period: The Flourishing of Kirikane
During the Heian period, kirikane was incorporated into Buddhist paintings as a form of ornamentation.

Notable examples include the Nirvana Painting in Kongobu-ji Temple on Mount Koya and the Golden Coffin Appearance Painting, housed in the Tokyo National Museum. These artworks demonstrate the intricate kirikane patterns applied with great precision.

From these examples, it is evident that kirikane underwent remarkable development alongside the flourishing of Buddhist art.

The Kamakura Period and Beyond
In the Kamakura period, the renowned Buddhist sculptor Kaikei introduced new kirikane patterns, contributing to the evolution of the technique.

However, from the Muromachi period through the Edo period, kirikane gradually became more formalized, and gold mud (kindei) began to be used as a substitute for gold leaf. As a result, the number of successors to the craft declined.

From the early modern period onward, kirikane was preserved only by a select few under the patronage of the East and West Hongan-ji Temples.

In recent times, however, efforts have emerged to revive and pass down the technique, leading to gradual recognition of its artistic value once again.

Moving forward, the key challenge will be how to preserve and further develop the art of kirikane in Japan.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Kirikane Studio Kasen
We are developing products designed with the art of Kirikane, based on the concept of “Bringing Brilliance to Your Present.”
The gold leaf used in Kirikane is crafted from tarnish-resistant gold, ensuring that its beauty remains unchanged over time.

With its timeless elegance, Kirikane enhances your present moment with even more brilliance.
Our seasonal designs allow you to experience the changing beauty of nature, bringing color and vibrancy to your life.

Craftsman Passion

The Timeless Brilliance of Handcrafted Kirikane

As you hold our creations, know that each piece is carefully handcrafted, with every strip of gold leaf meticulously applied one by one.
We hope that when you use our artwork, it will feel like a trusted companion, bringing a sense of reliability and warmth.
It would bring us great joy if you could enjoy our pieces in your own way, making them a part of your everyday life.

 

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width：4.9cm
Weight：6g
*Leather cord is adjustable in length

Material & Caution

Materials

Wood
Oxhide cord
Gold

 

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about a month for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.