Kohei MURATA is a 3rd-generation metal leaf artisan (gold, silver, etc.), an integral part of the internationally renowned Nishijin weaving process which combines silk, metal leaf and paper into obi sashes for kimono. 

Fifty years ago there were about 40 hikibaku 引箔 metal-leaf masters working in Kyoto, but because of changing market trends only a very few remain today. In response, the award-winning Murata has been developing other applications and designs as well as previously untried materials and tools with a commitment to pass down his craft to future generations. 

Murata produces leaf finish on a variety of items.  This highly innovative artisan recently applied metal leaf to thinly sliced leather which was then woven with silk to create a dazzling and durable armrest for a custom BMW. He also creates decorative panels for interior designs.  Says Murata, “The only surfaces to which I cannot apply leaf are air and water.” 

Murata strives to evolve his process with continuous refining. “I feel a responsibility to move tradition forward by always exploring, adapting and innovating, challenging myself to try new applications and push the boundaries of my craft.”

Metal Leaf. Such metals as gold, silver and platinum can be applied to nearly any surface (wood, metal, glass, paper, bamboo, etc.) in leaf form, using urushi lacquer.

Hikibaku 引箔:  Precious metallic thread, a type of paper yarn, has been used for the legendary hikibaku weaving process of Kyoto’s Nishijin weaving district for over 500 years. 

The yarn is made by affixing gold, silver, or platinum leaf to handmade washi paper in artistic patterns using Japanese urushi (lacquer). The washi paper is then cut about 0.02-inch thickness (about 0.5 ml) and woven into silk to create luxurious kimono obi (belt sashes) of Kyoto. The warp of the weave is silk, and the weft is washi paper; the obi can be up to 50 percent washi paper. 

This is a process done only in Kyoto, and is not understood by most of the world, including most Japanese. It is truly one of the world’s most rarefied weaving arts of the past 500 years.