Another feature of Meiji kutani is that against the background painted in red (or muddy gold), the design and patter are painted in muddy gold (or colors) which is dissolved in glue, and then brocade vessel etc. are baked at high heat. Among aka-e, it is called “kinran-de” (金襴手), and many works are decorated with “gorgeousness”. The highlights are the detailed painting of “fine painting”, which requires high technology, and the gorgeous combination of designs and colors with gold decoration.
It is believed that this style was brought to kutani by Eiraku Wazen (永楽和全) in Kyoto at the end of Edo. The style could express the luxury which was not inferior to that of Chinese brocade of using gold foil, and after entering the Meiji period, Hachiro-de (八郎手) and brocade style were fused and spread to Kanazawa and Nomi county. The multi-colored brocade style by Kutani Shozo (九谷庄三) was created from this brocade style, and it became very popular as “Japan Kutani”. In this way, this style was completed as one of the major styles of Meiji kutani, and many master craftsmen’s brocade works were very well received at the World’s Fair in Europe and were exported in large numbers.
In addition, the technique of gold moriage (金盛り) that was taken into Meiji kutani by Shimizu Bizan (清水美山) is added at the end of several brocade works. The design and pattern are repeatedly painted with muddy gold and baked to make the design etc. look like it is raised, expressing a three-dimensional effect and luxury.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |