Throughout this exhibition, I have created one specific theme—to take you through the technique of gilding and the material of gilt bronze. Gilding or Ormolu is a “decorative technique for applying fine gold leaf or powder to a solid surface such as wood, stone, or metal to give a thin coating of gold.” In this case, the exhibition will revolve around gilt bronze Asian artwork. Let us take a tour through multiple pieces and learn about the gilding technique, and how the material has held up since the artwork has been made.
Before I begin the exhibition, let me briefly explain the technique of Ormolu. The technique of Ormolu is called mercury gilding and, “mercury gilding is the process in which mercury is mixed with gold to make an amalgam that is applied to the surface of an object.” After the application, the heating process starts with the placement of the object in the over, or over a fire which is known as fire gilding—after the mercury has evaporated, it leaves “behind a thin coating of gold on the object.” Professionals are aware of the dangers of mercury and professionals should be the only ones performing the technique.
Tibet
Portrait of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama
18th century
Gilt Bronze
14 x 14.2 x 11.3 cm
Kate S. Buckingham Fund, 1996.31
I have chosen Portrait of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama as the primary centerpiece of …show more content…
Lacquered bronze just means that it had a “clear coat brushed on to protect the finish.” What I find interesting is that even though the statue has been lacquered, it really seems as if has been through a lot. The bronze seems like it has wore off and makes it really look out of date. Probably because it has not been protected properly since it has been made, because I feel as if it was lacquered—it should be in fantastic shape like the Dalai Lama statue that has been around since 18th century and still is alive with
Before I begin the exhibition, let me briefly explain the technique of Ormolu. The technique of Ormolu is called mercury gilding and, “mercury gilding is the process in which mercury is mixed with gold to make an amalgam that is applied to the surface of an object.” After the application, the heating process starts with the placement of the object in the over, or over a fire which is known as fire gilding—after the mercury has evaporated, it leaves “behind a thin coating of gold on the object.” Professionals are aware of the dangers of mercury and professionals should be the only ones performing the technique.
Tibet
Portrait of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama
18th century
Gilt Bronze
14 x 14.2 x 11.3 cm
Kate S. Buckingham Fund, 1996.31
I have chosen Portrait of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama as the primary centerpiece of …show more content…
Lacquered bronze just means that it had a “clear coat brushed on to protect the finish.” What I find interesting is that even though the statue has been lacquered, it really seems as if has been through a lot. The bronze seems like it has wore off and makes it really look out of date. Probably because it has not been protected properly since it has been made, because I feel as if it was lacquered—it should be in fantastic shape like the Dalai Lama statue that has been around since 18th century and still is alive with