gilding
Applying gold leaf
Gilding is the process of applying a thin layer of gold to a surface, or the gold layer itself.
The technique decorates picture frames, book edges, architectural details, and furniture.
The gilding on the mirror had worn away.
To gild the lily is to add unnecessary ornamentation to something already beautiful—a common misquotation of Shakespeare.
Beaten metal for gilding
- gold leafUltra-thin decorative metal
- vermeilGold over silver
- overlayCovering placed atop
- leafingCasually turning pages
gold plating · electroplating · lamination · veneer · cladding · silvering · bronzing · metalizing
Skilled manual tradesperson
- toolingIndustrial machinery preparation
- embossingRaising designs from surfaces
- chasingFollowing to catch
- engravingCarving into hard surfaces
filigree · inlay · patina · restoration · conservation · handiwork · metalwork · ornamentation
Decorative additions to something
- embellishmentDecorative addition or exaggeration
- adornmentDecorative addition or accessory
- fineryElegant, showy clothing
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
arabesque · motif · fretwork · tracery · cartouche · acanthus · finial · rococo
Soft reflected light
- sheenSoft surface luster
- glowSteady, soft light
- gleamFaint reflected light
- radianceGlowing luminous quality
brilliance · sparkle · glint · shimmer · glitter · burnish · reflection · resplendent
Deceptive outward appearance
- veneerDecorative outer layer
- glossShine or annotation
- embellishmentDecorative addition or exaggeration
- exaggerationOverstating beyond reality
whitewash · cover-up · window dressing · spin · superficiality · artifice · show · sham
Supporting outer structure
- mirrorReflective viewing surface
- cabinetEnclosed storage furniture
- commodeToilet or storage chest
- consoleComfort in distress
armoire · chandelier · sconce · candelabra · ornament · molding · capital · cornice
goldleaf
Beaten metal for gilding
leafing · gold plating · electroplating · lamination · veneer · cladding · silvering · bronzing · metalizing · ormolu
artisan
Skilled manual tradesperson
- toolingIndustrial machinery preparation
- embossingRaising designs from surfaces
- chasingFollowing to catch
engraving · filigree · inlay · patina · restoration · conservation · handiwork · metalwork · ornamentation · technique
ornamentation
Decorative additions to something
- embellishmentDecorative addition or exaggeration
- adornmentDecorative addition or accessory
- fineryElegant, showy clothing
scrollwork · arabesque · motif · fretwork · tracery · cartouche · acanthus · finial · rococo · baroque
luster
Soft reflected light
radiance · brilliance · sparkle · glint · shimmer · glitter · burnish · reflection · resplendent · refulgent
facade
Deceptive outward appearance
- veneerDecorative outer layer
- glossShine or annotation
- embellishmentDecorative addition or exaggeration
exaggeration · whitewash · cover-up · window dressing · spin · superficiality · artifice · show · sham · disguise
frame
Supporting outer structure
console · armoire · chandelier · sconce · candelabra · ornament · molding · capital · cornice · appliqué
dome
Rounded vault forming roof
cornice · capital · column · altar · baldachin · sanctuary · chapel · palace · cathedral · mosque
spine
Column of vertebrae
headband · endpaper · leather · morocco · calf · binding · title · panel · boss · clasp
- Old Master Techniquesfresco, tempera, gesso, gold leaf, encaustic
- ceramicspottery, porcelain, cup, bowl, plate
- craftssewing, knitting, painting, glue, scissors
- ancient craftspottery, mosaics, weaving, carpentry, blacksmithing
- artisan craftshandmade goods, fine jewelry, artisan crafts, handcrafted furniture, watchmaking
- coatingcoating, covering, glazing, lacquering, plating
gildingstripping
Removing outer layers
removing · scraping · sanding · tarnishing · exposing
gildingsolid gold
Entirely of precious yellow metal
genuine article · the real thing · authenticity · substance · true worth
- gilding the lilyEmbellishing the already beautiful