Imitation gilding

Description

The color of gold gilding has been imitated since medieval time using a transparent yellow glaze over silver or Tin leaf. In the 19th century, Bronze leaf was also used as a gold imitation (see Dutch metal). Currently, imitation gold leaf is made from tinted sheets of Aluminum or White gold (Palladium and Platinum).

Synonyms and Related Terms

imitation gilt; imitation gold leaf ; imitation de dorure (Fr.); imitatie vergulding (Ned.)

Authority

• Hermann Kuhn, Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art and Antiquities, Butterworths, London, 1986