Gold Ice Cream Anyone?
Mineral Matters #577
This YouTube video came up in my feed. It explores the city of Kanazawa, Japan, highlighting its rich history and unique craft of gold leaf production.
So what are the key takeaways?
Kanazawa's Historical Significance: Kanazawa is a well-preserved city on the west coast of Honshu, Japan, that was spared damage during World War II. It was a former medieval capital and the historic centre of the region, home to the powerful Maeda clan in the 16th century. The city retains many historical features, including samurai houses and geisha districts.
"City of Gold": Kanazawa is renowned for its gold leaf production, a tradition that began when the Maeda clan shifted their focus from war to the arts. Gold became a symbol of their new policy.
Gold Leaf Production:
The video shows the meticulous, centuries-old process of making gold leaf.
Craftsmen like Sharu Yamazaki and his wife are continuing a tradition that originated when skilled artisans were brought from Kyoto and Tokyo 400 years ago.
The process involves taking small squares of gold and repeatedly pressing them between pages to enlarge them, resulting in extremely thin sheets of gold leaf (10,000th of a millimetre thick!).
It's a manual process requiring years of practice, including learning to work while kneeling for long periods.
Kanazawa is the primary producer of gold leaf in Japan, used to decorate temples, statues, and other precious objects.
Gold Powder Application: The video also demonstrates how gold powder is used in art.
Artist Seu Nishimura uses finely ground gold powder to create art on lacquer.
He draws inspiration from the often-rough Sea of Japan landscape surrounding Kanazawa.
The application is a delicate process, and once polished, the gold powder creates a sparkling finish.
Tradition and Gratitude: The video emphasises the multigenerational aspect of these crafts, highlighting the gratitude artisans feel towards their patron, General Maeda Toshiie, for establishing the traditions that allow them to carry on their work. The crafts serve as a way of honouring his legacy.
In short, the video paints a picture of Kanazawa as a city where history, art, and craftsmanship are deeply intertwined, with gold leaf production playing a central role in its cultural identity. It shows the skill, patience and history involved in the production of gold in Kanazawa and the beauty that is produced.
Now let's talk about the gold leaf ice cream! It's a small but memorable detail in the video, and here's how it fits into the overall narrative:
The Gold Leaf Ice Cream as a Symbol:
Accessibility of Gold: The ice cream serves as a playful and accessible way for visitors and residents to experience Kanazawa's famous gold leaf. It's not just something found in temples or art pieces; you can literally taste it (or at least experience its visual appeal).
Contrast with Craft: The video contrasts the intricate and time-consuming process of making gold leaf with its use on a simple dessert. It's a fun and slightly ironic juxtaposition that highlights the importance of gold to Kanazawa in all forms.
Tourism and Local Culture: It's a clear example of how a local tradition is being leveraged for tourism, creating a unique and Instagram-worthy treat. It signifies that while the craft itself is steeped in history and tradition, the city is also finding ways to present it to a wider audience.
Sensory Experience: The presenter's description emphasises the milky flavour of the ice cream and then notes that the gold leaf itself doesn't have any particular taste. This highlights the primarily visual and symbolic role of the gold leaf in this case.
Specific Comments on the Ice Cream Scene:
Enthusiastic Reaction: The presenter clearly enjoys the ice cream, describing it as "lip-smackingly good" and "delicious" which helps in understanding the food culture in Kanazawa.
The Price Point: The presenter mentions that the gold leaf alone costs 500 yen, which implies the ice cream is a premium treat, and adds to the novelty.
Savouring Every Bite: The presenter's comment about "savouring every mouthful" demonstrates the feeling that the ice cream is more than just a sweet treat. The viewer can feel like it's a celebration of the city's gold and a way to appreciate the gold leaf making tradition that Kanazawa is known for.
In summary, the gold leaf ice cream is a fun and memorable element in the video. It's a delicious example of how Kanazawa has woven its gold leaf production into everyday life, making it a unique and enjoyable part of the city's cultural experience. It serves as a light-hearted contrast to the more serious aspects of gold leaf craftsmanship, showing that tradition can be both revered and enjoyed in unexpected ways.
