Kanazawa Haku is gold which is beaten into a paper-like sheet.
 It is thought that the technique of producing gold leaf was 
imported from China during the late Nara Period or the early 
Heian Period (ca 800), and it is estimated that it was brought
to feudal lord Toshiie Maeda in 1593. Maeda proceeded to order 
craftsmen of the Kaga region to produce gold leaf. 99% of the 
gold leaf produced in Japan is made in Kanazawa and it is 
essential for decorating lacquerwork, woven cloth, pottery, 
and Kanazawa's Buddhist altars.