KANAZAWA Kaga Gosai (The Five Colors of Kaga)
- The five colors used in Kaga Yuzen are known as kaga gosai. They are enji (deep red), ai (indigo), odo (yellow ochre), kusa (grass green), and kodai-murasaki (ancient purple). These subdued, rich colors look especially beautiful on clothing in Kanazawa, a city known for its frequent cloudy skies.
- The realistic and painterly floral patterns of Kaga Yuzen, which rarely use embroidery or techniques other than dyeing, are heavily influenced by the samurai culture of the Maeda clan in Kaga. At the Akane-ya Archive Gallery in Satomi-cho, Kanazawa, visitors can appreciate the charms of Kaga Yuzen in full. The gallery offers opportunities to learn about the production process and to enjoy hands-on experiences like hand-painting small furoshiki cloths and stencil dyed bags.
- You should also be sure to visit the Higashi Chaya District. The prestigious teahouse Shima, established in 1820, features a separate tea room called Kanson-an where you can enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets in front of elegant wooden fences and a moss garden. It's a moment to drink in both the history of Kanazawa and its colors that change with the seasons, while relaxing in the refreshing breeze.
