granular gold ink
Germany
9th Century
Source: Nancy K. Turner, "Surface Effect and Substance: Precious Metals in Illuminated Manuscripts," in Manuscript in the Making: Art and Science, ed. Stella Panayotova and Paola Ricciardi (London: Harvey Miller, 2018), 2:80–96.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
gold, copper, silver
Preparation Steps
Metals applied as ink were ground into powder, mixed with a sticky medium, and applied with a pen or brush (p. 69). In the case of the Lorsch Gospels, the gold was 'stretched' with small amounts of copper and silver, which later oxidized (p. 64).
Original Recipe Text
Metals applied as ink were ground into powder, mixed with a sticky medium, and applied with a pen or brush (p. 69). In the case of the Lorsch Gospels, the gold was 'stretched' with small amounts of copper and silver, which later oxidized (p. 64).
Evidence
"When analyzed non-invasively with XRF (no samples removed), the metallic substance was found to contain predominantly gold with some copper; only a trace of silver was detected."
Remarks
The presence of silver can be difficult to identify with XRF due to detection limits. The adulterations (copper and silver) resulted in an off-golden color and reduced sheen (p. 64). The author notes the ink appears bimetallic or as white gold due to this composition (p. 63).
Scientific Analysis
Chemical CompositionAu, Cu, Ag (trace)
Analytical Techniques
XRF
microscope
Certainty Level
Confirmed
Instrumentally Verified
Verified
Metadata
Material Type
ink
Bindersticky medium
Paper TypeParchment
ColorGold
RegionGermany
Approx. Year850
Source Information
AuthorNancy K. Turner, "Surface Effect and Substance: Precious Metals in Illuminated Manuscripts," in Manuscript in the Making: Art and Science, ed. Stella Panayotova and Paola Ricciardi
CollectionGospel book from Lorsch (JPGM, 83.MB.65)
Language
N/A
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