Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c77.109

v2.c77.109

“Gold-leaf should be divided into finest leaflets, and then ground with a well smoothed stone; afterwards it has to be mixed with water and with a small amount of sand. When this paste is well ground it should again be put into water so that all dirt may rise to the surface. The gold paste should then be pressed, mixed with vajralepa and applied with suitable brushes. There were nine brushes for every colour. When dry, the artist should rub it slowly with a boar-tusk until it becomes bright. Then again he may place over this very fine gold leaves and rub them with hard cotton.