Trying traditional crafts 1

Japanese craftspeople are very generous with their knowledge and time. There are many opportunities to try your own hand at amazing arts and techniques. 

On a recent trip to Kanazawa I took the chance to try gold leaf application (don't sneeze!). Gold leaf is extremely temperamental to work with. One small breath in the wrong direction and it folds over, clings to the wrong thing or tears! I cannot imagine applying gold leaf to intricate items, rough surfaces, large statues or even walls, where each leaf needs to be applied completely smoothly.