Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c9.s8.10

c9.s8.10

From the above description of the preparation of gold powder, an interesting point emerges. It is emphasised that gold powder was to be used in very small quantities. Apparently, it was considered too precious to be wasted and only ornaments were to be painted with it. This injunction apparently explains the absence of gold in the 12th and 13th century palm-leaf miniatures, and its cautious use in the 14th century miniatures and cloth-paintings. In the 15th century, however, gold is profusely used, and that may be due to the cheapening of gold price.