Kyōto Kingin-ito Kōgyō Kyōdō Kumiai

What kind of place is this? I first knew its existence, for it has not appeared in a guide book, as far as I know. I luckily happened to meet this wonderful place.
Gold silver thread and flat foil are associated with traditional Nishijin brocade deeply, and are used as material such as a textile, embroidery, obis, or braid.
I received careful explanation from a woman of the staff about the traditional manufacturing method here. I understood how much time it took to finish the material to one thread and I was impressed by the splendor of the traditional art works.
I admired the beauty of the bag using the spares produced in a manufacturing process of the gilt thread. I would like to show my respect to the Kyoto person who does not waste even a small thing. Not only various gilt thread but also an obi of the Nishijin brocade, a folding fan and the lamp are displayed.
The workshop where participants sprinkle beautiful foil on a round fan can be experienced. The expense is approximately 2,000 yen including a material cost.
It is Wednesday that I visited, and this art gallery is open to public on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Of course we can observe it free. You have to book for it, if you want to experience making fan, which is carried out on Wednesday afternoon.
There is the courtyard in the gallery of Machiya, which is very tasteful, too.