| Title | स्वर्ण पत्र - Swarna Patra (Gold Leaf)स्वर्ण पत्र Swarna Patra |
|---|---|
| Description | स्वर्ण पत्र - Swarna Patra (Gold Leaf) consists of extremely thin sheets of gold, typically 22-24 karats, used for gilding and ornamentation. Thickness ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 micrometers. It is applied using an adhesive, often a bole or mordant. |
| Tags | Gold Leaf Svarṇa Patra Gold Gilding Decoration स्वर्ण Swarn Leaf स्वर्ण पत्र Swarna Patra Ornamentation Tibet Statues |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-145983123-20-11-25-SW |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/gold-leaf |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/gold-leaf |
| Total Sites | 11 |
| Primary Sites | 5 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 20, 2025 |
| Types | Metal Precious Metal Gold Metal Leaf Foil Gold Alloy |
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| Regions | Pan-Indian Pan India Tibet Various (used pan-India) Pan-India Especially Rajasthan and South India India Rajasthan Punjab South India Eastern India Himalayan regions |
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| Time Periods | Ancient times - Present Ancient Period Medieval Period CE Mughal Period 15th Century CE onwards Ancient times onwards Ancient times Modern Era 7th century CE 13th century CE Yuan Dynasty 15th Century CE Mughal Period CE Sikh Empire Period CE Gupta Period (320-550 CE) Chola Period (9th-13th centuries CE) Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE) |
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| Dynasties | Various Gupta Chola Mughal Various dynasties across India and Tibet Maurya Vijayanagara Tibetan Empire Sakya Dynasty Sikh |
| Sources | Gold mines (various locations) Gilding workshops Gold mines in Karnataka Imported gold Gold mines (historical) Specialized workshops Gold mines in Karnataka (historically) Gold mines (refined) Artisan workshops Gold mines Refineries Gold mines in Tibet and surrounding regions Imported from India or China Local goldsmiths Kolar Gold Fields (historical) Alluvial gold deposits in riverbeds specific goldsmith workshops Refineries (modern) |
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| Properties | Thickness: 0.1-0.2 μm Density: 19.3 g/cm³ Reflectivity: High Corrosion resistance: Excellent Melting point: 1064 °C Electrical conductivity: High Thickness: 0.1-0.5 μm Density: 19300 kg/m³ High reflectivity Inertness Purity: 22-24 Karat Density: 19.3 g/cm³ (bulk gold) Purity: Typically 22-24 Karat High malleability and ductility Excellent corrosion resistance Malleability: Excellent Purity: 22-24 karat Thickness: 0.1-0.2 micrometers Density: 19.3 g/cm³ (pure gold) Melting point: 1064°C |
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| Uses | Gilding statues Decorating ceilings Illuminating manuscripts Murals Gilding Ornamentation Decoration Iconography Decorating walls and ceilings Decorative elements Decorating sacred objects Highlighting architectural details Decorative gilding Statue embellishment Architectural ornamentation Painting Religious iconography Illumination Surface decoration of domes Statues Relief carvings Gilding of wooden structures |
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| Materials | Gum Arabic (adhesive) Shellac (protective coating) चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) (as substrate) लाख - Laakh (Lac) गोंद - Gond (Gum) लाख - Lākh (Lac) गोंद - Gond (Gum Resin) चूना - Chunā (Lime) लाक्षा - Lākshā (Lac) गोंद - Gonda (Gum Arabic) Varnish Bole Adhesives राल - Rāla (Resin) चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) गोंद - Gond (Gum Arabic) वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Adhesive) लाख - Lākh (Lacquer) काष्ठ - Kāshtha (Wood) Resin adhesives (e.g., lac) Gesso (ground layer) Kāshtha (Wood) substrate |
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| Styles | Dravidian architecture style Nagara architecture style Temple Art Temple architecture Mughal miniature painting Tibetan Buddhist Art Iconography Tibetan Buddhist architecture Various Indian temple architectures Mural painting Mughal architecture Tibetan Buddhist art Gilt Bronze Sculpture Religious Art Mughal architecture style Sikh architecture style South Indian temple architecture Buddhist Art Tibetan Art |
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| Categories | Temple Statue Painting Temple Decoration Iconography Palace Manuscript Monastery Religious Art Sculpture Museum Fort Decorative Art |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gilding Techniques in Indian Art | Book | Methods and materials |
| Gilding Techniques in Indian Art | Art Conservation Journal | Methods and materials used for gilding |
| Getty Conservation Institute Publications | Conservation Guide | Gilding conservation |
| Art Conservation Journals | Journal Article | Gilding techniques |
| Gilding: The Art and Craft | Book | Technical guide on gold leaf application and conservation |
| The Art of Gilding in India | Journal Article | Techniques and materials |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ananda Temple Bagan | Primary | 100% | |
| Drepung Monastery Lhasa Tibet | Primary | 100% | |
| Mindrolling Monastery Lhoka Tibet | Primary | 100% | |
| Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan | Primary | 100% | |
| Tashilhunpo Monastery Shigatse Tibet | Primary | 100% | |
| Jokhang Temple Lhasa Tibet | Secondary | 100% | |
| Maha Lakshmi Temple Abu Dhabi (BAPS Campus) | Secondary | 100% | |
| Ramoche Temple Lhasa Tibet | Secondary | 100% | |
| Sakya Monastery Shigatse Tibet | Secondary | 100% | |
| Sera Monastery Lhasa Tibet | Secondary | 100% | |
| Sheesh Mahal Patiala | Secondary | 100% |