The Art of Gold Leaf：Moonlight Among Clouds

Gold leaf - an extraordinary material created by stretching precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and copper into incredibly thin sheets. Among these, gold leaf stands as the most renowned, representing not just luxury and beauty, but also conveying a sense of serenity and spiritual significance. In religious contexts, it has been revered as eternal light, adorning sacred spaces, temples, Buddhist statues, and religious artifacts. Today, its applications extend far beyond tradition - from decorative screens and sliding doors to lacquerware, ceramics, textiles, and modern applications in interior design, architecture, food, and beauty industries.

At just 1/10,000th of a millimeter (0.000004 inches) thick, gold leaf possesses unique characteristics that set it apart from solid gold. Its flexibility, softness, and delicacy create possibilities that solid metal cannot achieve. Gold leaf embodies a depth of beauty and allure that transcends simple description.

Among the world's gold leaf producers, Japanese gold leaf stands at the pinnacle of quality. Today, we're proud to introduce "Kumoma no Tsukikage" (Moonlight Among Clouds), born in Kanazawa, Japan's gold leaf capital.

Throughout history, the Japanese people have maintained a profound cultural connection with the moon. "Moonlight Among Clouds" captures this ethereal beauty, expressing the gentle glow of moonlight through clouds using a unique combination of gold leaf and ink. This elegant vessel embodies the natural beauty of Japan's emotional landscape.

First launched in 2021 with three distinctive colors – Gold leaf No.4color, Sada-color (Classic Gold), and Ginpakushoku (Moonlit Silver) - "Moonlight Among Clouds" garnered acclaim both domestically and internationally. Now, we're thrilled to unveil two new colors exclusively on Kickstarter:

1. "Pure gold platinum Towa-color (Golden Eternity Color)" (pure gold 99% pure platinum1%)
2. "Pure gold platinum Kuon-color (Infinite Light Color)" (pure gold 92% pure platinum 8%)

These gold leaf are Hakuza orginal world’s first gold lear as we take Japanese gold leaf to the global stage.

While vessels completely covered in gold leaf exist elsewhere, "Moonlight Among Clouds" stands alone in its harmonious fusion of gold leaf and ink. We use gold leaf crafted in Kanazawa, Japan's gold leaf sanctuary. Our proprietary technique of applying ink over gold leaf creates a distinctive luster and depth beyond traditional gold leaf's brilliance. This original approach results in vessels where gold leaf and ink seem to merge naturally. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans, making every item unique with subtle variations in leaf texture and radiance - a characteristic only possible through masterful craftsmanship.

These pieces serve beautifully as vessels for Western-style confections while simultaneously standing as artistic displays in their own right. Whether gracing your table with culinary presentations or adding refined elegance to your space as decor, these vessels offer versatility in their use.

Gold leaf production inherently embraces recycling principles. Every scrap of gold from the manufacturing process - trimmed edges, excess pieces from cutting sheets to size, and even the finest particles from finishing work - is carefully collected and melted down for reuse as pure gold.

Moreover, in traditional "Entsuke" (registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage ) gold leaf production, the specialized beating papers find new life as "Furuya-gami" oil-blotting papers. This exemplifies a sustainable, circular manufacturing system, within which each "Moonlight Among Clouds" piece is individually handcrafted.

While gold leaf has been produced worldwide throughout history, Japanese gold leaf stands at the pinnacle of quality. Its most distinctive feature is its extraordinary thinness and uniformity. Japanese gold leaf achieves a world-leading thinness of 1/10,000th of a millimeter (0.000004 inches) with remarkable consistency.

All of Japan's gold leaf is produced in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, where Hakuza, the creator of " Moonlight Among Clouds" is based. Kanazawa's gold leaf history dates back to 1593, when the ruling Maeda clan of the Kaga domain commissioned gold and silver leaf production. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the shogunate began controlling precious metal ingots and prohibited coin minting across regions. By 1696, nationwide gold and silver leaf production and sales were banned, with further prohibitions issued in 1820 and 1824. However, the Kaga domain continued secret leaf production during these bans, developing techniques to maximize quality with limited materials. This perseverance helped establish Kanazawa's reputation as a gold leaf center.

Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Kanazawa's soft water quality proved ideal for preparing the specialized beating papers essential to gold leaf production. Additionally, the high year-round precipitation and humidity in the Hokuriku region created perfect conditions for controlling paper moisture - a crucial factor in the process.

These advantageous natural conditions, combined with historical circumstances, have made Kanazawa the "City of Gold Leaf," now producing nearly 100% of Japan's gold leaf.

“It’s not painted; it’s layered by hand.”

There are two methods of gold leaf production today. The first is "Tachikiri" , established around 1970, and the second is "Entsuke" , a traditional method with over 400 years of history. While both methods involve beating gold alloy between special papers, they differ primarily in the paper used.

Developed around 1970 to increase productivity, this modern technique uses glassine paper coated with special carbon. This method allows for faster beating compared to traditional Entsuke and enables batch processing of 500-1,000 sheets at once for edge trimming.

This traditional method uses handmade Japanese paper (washi) and remains largely unchanged for over 400 years, except for the introduction of mechanical beating. The beating paper preparation involves a meticulous six-month process using handmade ganpi paper treated with water, straw lye, persimmon tannin, and egg. This craftsmanship was recognized as a Selected Conservation Technique by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs in October 2014. In December 2020, "Entsuke Gold Leaf" was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of "Traditional Skills, Techniques and Knowledge for the Conservation and Transmission of Wooden Architecture."

In the Entsuke manufacturing process, the most crucial skill for gold leaf craftsmen is the preparation of the beating paper. Since the quality of the beating paper directly determines the final quality of the gold leaf, a craftsperson is only considered fully trained after mastering this preparation process. The method involves soaking handmade ganpi paper in a mixture of water, straw lye, persimmon tannin, and egg whites, wringing it out, and then machine-beating it. This process is repeated over approximately six months to prepare the paper - an incredibly labor-intensive method. The value of this technique is evidenced by its use in Japan's National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, demonstrating its significance as a high-value technical skill.

Beating paper used in Entsuke method, requiring six months of preparation

While most companies now focus solely on Tachikiri production, Hakuza maintains both methods, emphasizing the preservation of traditional techniques. By managing all production processes in-house, we ensure quality control while employing and training young craftspeople to preserve these precious techniques.

Taketoshi Ohta: A gold leaf craftsman with over half a century of experience, one of the few remaining Entsuke masters.

Hakuza Inc, developer of "Moonlight Among Clouds” has been crafting gold leaf for over 70 years in Kanazawa. Among the city's gold-leaf companies, we've distinguished ourselves as an industry leader by consistently innovating new values for gold leaf.

We pursue and maximize gold leaf's inherent beauty and power, creating what we call "Hakuhin" . "Moonlight Among Clouds" exemplifies this philosophy.

"We aim to contribute to society by projecting our ideas and vision onto gold leaf as a material, creating new value. We want to shape gold leaf's beauty in ways never seen before," says Mr. Maruoka, Director of Hakuhin Studio.

Shinichi Maruoka: A key creator of Moonlight Among Clouds.

At Hakuza, while preserving inherited techniques, we constantly seek new possibilities for gold leaf. "Moonlight Among Clouds" emerged from questioning whether combining japanese ink with gold leaf could reveal new potential. Historically, gold leaf has symbolized "value" and "permanence" in Buddhist culture. Traditional Japanese art, such as folding screens and important cultural properties, often featured paintings in japanese ink and mineral pigments over gold leaf. This inspired us to create a new gold leaf expression in vessel form.

Gold leaf is extraordinarily delicate - small differences can dramatically affect its refinement. Rather than simply applying gold leaf or creating flashy effects, we sought to draw out its inherent dignified elegance. We believe gold leaf's true appeal emerges when products reflect its historical significance and cultural reverence in Japan.

In this sense, "Moonlight Among Clouds" represents one of our most successful embodiments of gold leaf's allure.

At Hakuza, we believe that "Hakuhin" emerges only when technical skill meets a deep sensitivity to gold leaf. We prioritize humanity over productivity and efficiency, creating a workshop environment where craftspeople can engage with gold leaf with rich emotional investment. While maintaining essential safety and functional equipment, we strive for an environment that nurtures creativity and pursuit of ideals. We never compromise on necessary attention to detail, even for the smallest tasks. Every step of Hakuhin creation embodies thoroughness and human connection.

"Hakuhin cannot be created by technique alone. We're delighted when people can sense the human touch behind our gold leaf creations," says Hakuhin studio Director Maruoka.

Our journey continues as we explore new ways to interpret, shape, and present gold leaf to the world.

While gold leaf production continues in Kanazawa today, it faces significant challenges. "The challenge is clear - demand has drastically decreased," explains Mina Takaoka, CEO of Hakuza Inc.

Mina Takaoka / CEO of Hakuza inc.

Traditionally, religious institutions were the primary users of gold leaf. In Japan, having a Buddhist altar in every home was common, but changing religious attitudes have led to a shift toward furniture-style altars without gold leaf. This change has caused a steady decline in gold leaf demand, directly affecting the number of craftspeople. In the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868-1926), Kanazawa alone had over 1,000 craftspeople. Today, only 40-50 remain - a 95% reduction. With the average craftsperson now over 70 years old and few successors in sight, the succession crisis looms large.

To prevent the loss of this crystallized technical culture, Hakuza employs craftspeople directly and creates an environment for training the next generation, aiming to generate new employment opportunities.

This project was launched to introduce the world of gold leaf to those who haven't yet experienced it.

While gold leaf can appear luxurious, excessive opulence can be overwhelming. Through careful experimentation, we arrived at "Moonlight Among Clouds" as a design that harmoniously blends into daily life. Since ancient times, before electric lights, gold leaf has served as a unique source of illumination, accompanying people through history. In our modern lives, where we often lack mental space, isn't there value in objects that can restore peace of mind and sense of richness simply by their presence? We believe "Moonlight Among Clouds" has the potential to bring refinement to daily life and brighten spirits.

Recently, Kanazawa has attracted visitors from both Japan and abroad, gradually spreading awareness of Japanese gold leaf's charm. However, rather than creating one-time tourist souvenirs, we aim to develop lasting relationships with our customers. This requires both adding value to gold leaf and effectively communicating its appeal.

Japanese gold leaf represents the world's highest quality standards. Beyond its extraordinary thinness of 1/10,000th of a millimeter, it achieves a unique finish that only Japanese gold leaf can deliver.

We hope "Moonlight Among Clouds" will help more people discover gold leaf's charm and revitalize the gold leaf industry.

On January 1, 2024, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake devastated the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture. While Hakuza's Kanazawa facilities experienced intensity 5+ shaking, the impact on our partners in Noto was immeasurable. Gold leaf has traditionally been believed to "protect" and "bring good fortune," with its radiance used for prayers worldwide. As a fellow Ishikawa Prefecture company and community member, Hakuza has engaged in support activities throughout 2024. Thanks to many supporters of our recovery assistance initiatives, we've donated ¥4,880,286 (over US$ 32,000 as of December 2024). Over a year after the earthquake, significant damage remains, and full recovery is still distant. We hope this project will help spread awareness of gold leaf's charm while supporting related businesses' recovery.

A video combining footage from Noto with Yuko Ando's singing, created to prevent the Noto Peninsula's ongoing needs from being forgotten.

We held the "Yuko Ando Noto Support Live in Kanazawa Golden Tea Room" at Hakuza's main store, featuring a tea room decorated with 40,000 gold leaf sheets. The concert offered free admission to disaster victims, with singer-songwriter Yuko Ando participating from planning stages, singing with recovery wishes.

Gold leaf is created by alloying gold with small amounts of silver and copper, then rolling it to extreme thinness. Different alloy ratios create distinct colors and textures.

The Pure Gold-Platinum Leaf "Towa-color (Golden Eternity Color)" (pure gold 99% pure platinum1%) and " Kuon-color (Infinite Light Color)" (pure gold 92% pure platinum 8%)used here are Hakuza's unique, world-exclusive original leaves.

(Left) Towa-color (Golden Eternity Color) and
(Right) Kuon-color (Infinite Light Color)

Focusing on alloying pure gold with pure platinum - despite challenges from their different melting points - we succeeded in creating these alloy leaves. In 2002, we developed two types of "Pure Gold-Platinum Leaf."

This alloy leaf contains 99% pure gold and 1% pure platinum. While extremely close to pure gold, the 1% platinum creates a uniquely deep color profile. It features elegant brilliance and a rich, deep golden hue.

This alloy leaf contains 92% pure gold and 8% pure platinum. Reminiscent of champagne gold, it features an unprecedented atmosphere where brightness coexists with dark, smoky qualities, creating profound shadowing effects.

Often considered the quintessential color of gold leaf, this is the most popular variety. This is the most popular gold leaf color, known for its bright, vibrant golden hue reminiscent of sunlight. (94.438% pure gold, 4.901% pure silver, 0.661% pure copper)

"Sadairo (Classic Gold)" represents the minimum gold content required for gold leaf classification. It features a serene, elegant quality reminiscent of moonlight or fine pearls. (58.824% pure gold, 41.176% pure silver)

"GINHAKU Color (Moonlit Silver)" 100% aluminum leaf featuring a refined impression with a cool silver color containing blue undertones.

Product Specifications

Size: 15×15×1.5cm (5.9×5.9×0.6 inches)Weight: 150g (5.3 oz)

Usage Precautions:

・While the leaf-applied areas are coated for normal use, gentle handling is recommended. The leaf may peel depending on handling.

・Avoid using in microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, or dishwashers. Do not use scrubbing brushes or cleansing powders.

Usage Precautions

・The leaf-applied areas are coated for everyday use, so you can enjoy these pieces as part of your daily tableware.

However, we recommend gentle handling to keep the finish looking its best. Strong impact or scraping may cause the leaf to come off.

・Please avoid using in microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, or dishwashers. For cleaning, use a soft sponge and avoid abrasive brushes or cleansers.

Throughout history, Japanese people have regarded the moon as a special entity, approaching it with reverence. During the Heian period (794-1185), nobles established the custom of moon viewing, enjoying sake while composing poetry and playing music. By the Edo period (1603-1868), this culture of moon appreciation had spread to common people.

"Moonlight Among Clouds" expresses this gentle moonlight that has been so intimately connected with the Japanese spirit as a next-generation gold leaf expression.

By applying light ink, we've subdued gold leaf's powerful brilliance, creating vessels with a soft, lustrous glow like the mysterious night moon behind a veil. The refined radiance of the leaf beautifully enhances whatever is placed upon it. As tableware that elegantly displays any item, these pieces enrich daily life and make excellent gifts.

■Zumi Process

Handling everything from gold alloy creation to achieving approximately 1/1,000mm thickness

■Leaf Process

Reducing thickness from 1/1,000mm to 1/10,000mm

■Leaf Transfer

Trimming 1/10,000mm thin gold leaf into squares one by one

Based in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, we are a company dedicated to applying traditional gold leaf techniques to contemporary life. While preserving Kanazawa's 400-year-old gold leaf culture, we strive to create new value, achieving harmony between tradition and innovation. Our company and brand name "Hakuza" derives from a historical regulatory body for gold and silver leaf - reflecting our aspiration to be a central guild that preserves world-class techniques while contributing to Japanese traditional culture through high-quality leaf production.

Hakuza's corporate vision extends beyond simply maintaining gold leaf's existence. We envision a future where gold leaf makes people happier, sometimes serving as emotional support, helping to nurture richness of spirit. We strive for a future where gold leaf exists as something that brings joy to people's lives.

Gold leaf production inherently embraces recycling principles. Every bit of gold scrap from the manufacturing process, the edges left after trimming gold leaf into squares, and even the finest particles from finishing work - all of these are carefully collected without waste and melted down for regeneration as pure gold. Furthermore, the specialized beating papers used in traditional "Entsuke" gold leaf production find new life as "Furuya-gami" oil-blotting papers. This truly embodies a circular, sustainable system within gold leaf making.

At Hakuza, we are committed not only to preserving these techniques and maintaining a sustainable manufacturing mindset, but also to considering what our society needs and what we can do for a better future, turning these thoughts into concrete actions.