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The official name of 24Kgold thread (Real Gold Thread) is "honkinshi".
The hon in "honkinshi" means genuine in Japanese.The kinshi of "honkinshi" is a gold thread.
24K gold thread (Real Gold Thread) manufacturing process
Apply natural lacquer to Japanese paper (washi). Lacquer acts as an adhesive. Then, the craftsman sticks pure gold leaf on the lacquered Japanese paper.
Then, the Japanese paper with the pure gold leaf attached is cut into small pieces. Then, wrap it around the core thread by hand. It takes a lot of time and effort. It is the finest thread made by the craftsmen of kyoto nishijin.
◆ Production process of 24K gold leaf thread (mainly for Hirakin and Twisted Gold)
1. Preparation of Japanese paper
Traditionally, handmade Japanese paper (such as hosho paper) is used.
This Japanese paper is coated with an adhesive (lacquer) for attaching gold leaf.
2. Applying gold leaf
Very thin **pure gold leaf (24K, or 22-23K)** is carefully applied to the Japanese paper.
Because gold leaf is very thin, care must be taken to avoid static electricity and wind when working.
3. Cutting (cutting foil)
The gold leaf-covered Japanese paper is cut into thin strips (widths of a few mm to a few tenths of a mm).
These thin cuts are called "Hirakin."
4. Twisting
The cut gold paper is twisted and wrapped around silk thread, Japanese paper thread, or cotton thread.
"Yorikin" is made by wrapping gold paper around the thread as is.
"Hirakinshi" is made flat.
5. Finishing
The surface of the twisted thread is smoothed and adjusted to give it a glossy finish and tension.
If necessary, apply moisture-proofing and rust-proofing (using lacquer, shellac, etc.).
Go to the 24K Gold Thread (Real Gold Thread) sales page on this site!
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📜 Origin and history of Honkinshi (24K Gold thread) (Real gold thread)
▶ Origin: Influence from China
The origin of gold thread dates back to ancient China, and it is said that the technique of processing gold leaf into thread already existed during the Tang Dynasty (7th to 9th centuries).
It was introduced to Japan along with Buddhist art and Tang weaving techniques during the Nara to Heian periods.
▶ Heian period (794-1185)
During this period when court culture was splendid, gold thread embroidery was used on costumes, furnishings, Buddhist altar implements, etc.
Gold thread was very expensive and was considered a privileged decoration for the aristocracy and priest classes.
▶ Muromachi to Azuchi-Momoyama period (14th to 16th centuries)
Luxurious textile culture flourished, as represented by Noh costumes and brocade weaving.
In Nishijin, Kyoto, the technique of Honkinshi (24K Gold thread) (Real gold thread) using gold leaf was refined.
▶ Edo period (1603-1868)
Honkinshi (24K Gold thread) (Real gold thread) was used in samurai kimonos, wedding attire, festival items, etc.
With the development of Nishijin weaving, Honkinshi (24K Gold thread) (Real gold thread) came to be used in more designs.
▶ After the Meiji period
While mechanization and industrialization progressed, Honkinshi (24K Gold thread) (Real gold thread) became specialized in the fields of high-end crafts and religious art.
Today, it is also used by holders of "Important Intangible Cultural Properties" (Living National Treasures).
🎨 The cultural value of Honkinshi (24K Gold thread) (Real gold thread)
Symbolism: Gold is a symbol of "sacredness," "fertility," "eternity," and "nobility."
Ritual: Used for ceremonial occasions, religious ceremonies, and national events.
Craftsmanship: High-level skill is required to produce genuine gold thread. Each strand is hand-finished by skilled craftsmen.
Honkinshi (24K Gold thread) (Real gold thread) is
"Japanese craftsmanship and spirit embodied in a single thread."
Its value is not only based on the rarity of the material, but also on history, techniques, and cultural context, making it one of the materials that conveys the Japanese aesthetic sense to the present day.
Nishijin colors bring your handiwork to life
