  We study one-dimensional QCD at finite quark density by using the sign
optimization framework. The fermion sign problem is mitigated by deforming the
path integral domain, $SU(3)$ to a complexified one ${\cal M} \subset SL(3)$,
explicitly constructed to reduce the phase fluctuations. The complexification
is constructed using the angular representation of $SU(3)$. We provide a
physical explanation of the optimization procedure in terms of complex saddle
points. This picture connects the sign optimization framework to the
generalized Lefschetz thimbles.
