Ginsai refers to techniques used to apply silver leaf or silver paint to ceramics. Both terms also refer to the works produced by these techniques. Silver leaf or paint is applied over the ceramics’ glaze or overglaze decoration and then fired at a lower temperature than the overglaze itself. 

Silver slowly oxidizes if left in contact with air, resulting in elegantly subdued tones. In contrast with gold’s dazzling presence, gleaming silver exhibits graceful beauty.