| Title | स्वर्ण पत्रा (Gold Leaf)Uncommon Svarṇa Patrā Gold Leaf |
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| Description | स्वर्ण पत्र (Swarna Patra), also सुवर्ण पत्र (Suvarna Patra) or कनक पत्र (Kanaka Patra), denotes gold leaf, a precious metal foil used extensively in Indic heritage architecture and art. Composed of 22-24 Karat gold, its thickness ranges from 0.1-0.5 μm, exhibiting high reflectivity and corrosion resistance [1]. Density is approximately 19.3 g/cm³. High malleability allows for its creation. Historically, gold originated from mines and riverbeds across the Indian subcontinent. The Gupta, Chola, Mughal, and Vijayanagara dynasties employed Swarna Patra for gilding statues, domes, and murals. Traditional application involves adhesives like bole. Conservation necessitates careful cleaning and re-gilding using traditional techniques. Examples exist in Rajasthan, South India, and Himalayan regions. Restoration often involves replacing damaged leaf with new, matching the original karat and finish. The material's inertness contributes to its longevity, yet environmental factors necessitate periodic maintenance. |
| Also Known As | Gold Leaf Svarṇa Patrā Gold Leaf Gilding Leaf Gold Foil स्वर्ण पत्र सुवर्ण पत्र कनक पत्र பொன் தகடு (Pon thagadu) బంగారు రేకు (Bangaru reku) ಬಂಗಾರದ ಹಾಳೆ (Bangarada haale) സ്വർണ്ണ ഇല (Svarṇa ila) |
| 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 28, 2025 |
| Types | Metal Precious Metal Gold Metal Leaf Foil Gold Alloy |
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| Regions | India Tibet Rajasthan South India Punjab Eastern India Himalayan Region |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Period Medieval Period Mughal Period Modern Era Gupta Period Chola Period Vijayanagara Empire Period Yuan Dynasty Sikh Empire Period |
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| Dynasties | Gupta Chola Mughal Vijayanagara Maurya Tibetan Empire Sakya Dynasty Sikh |
| Sources | Gold Mines Gilding Workshops Refineries Artisan Workshops Imported Gold Alluvial Gold Deposits Local Goldsmiths Kolar Gold Fields (historical) |
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| Properties | Thickness: 0.1-0.5 μm Density: 19.3 g/cm³ Reflectivity: High Corrosion Resistance: Excellent Melting Point: 1064 °C Electrical Conductivity: High Purity: 22-24 Karat High Malleability and Ductility Inertness |
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| Uses | Gilding Statues Decorating Ceilings Illuminating Manuscripts Murals Gilding Ornamentation Decoration Iconography Decorating Walls Decorative Elements Decorating Sacred Objects Highlighting Architectural Details Architectural Ornamentation Religious Iconography Illumination Surface Decoration of Domes Relief Carvings Gilding of Wooden Structures |
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| Materials | Gum Arabic (adhesive) Shellac (protective coating) चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) लाख - Lākh (Lac) गोंद - Gond (Gum) Varnish Bole Adhesives राल - Rāla (Resin) वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Adhesive) काष्ठ - Kāshtha (Wood) Gesso (ground layer) |
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| Styles | Dravidian Architecture Nagara Architecture Temple Art Mughal Miniature Painting Tibetan Buddhist Art Iconography Mughal Architecture Sikh Architecture Buddhist Art Tibetan Art Gilt Bronze Sculpture |
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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% |