Red clay (bole) ready to use.
Clay and hide-glue mixture.
The act of gilding itself symbolizes the �breath of life� because when we apply the gold, we must breathe deeply from within onto the clay bole for it to adhere. The moisture from one�s breath wets and creates a tacky surface, allowing a perfect bond. The clay and the gold together represent man�s dual cosmic and earthly nature, material and spiritual sides. |