granular gold ink
Egypt
11th 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
Preparation Steps
Individual grains of granular gold ink chrysography are discernible by microscope (p. 69). The reflective quality was achieved by burnishing the text specifically after it was written on the page (p. 70).
Original Recipe Text
Individual grains of granular gold ink chrysography are discernible by microscope (p. 69). The reflective quality was achieved by burnishing the text specifically after it was written on the page (p. 70).
Evidence
"In this deluxe manuscript, the lustrous reflective quality has been achieved by burnishing the text after writing, made evident by horizontal and vertical burnishing marks visible on the parchment; when viewed with raking light the parchment has a glossier surface where it has been burnished."
Remarks
The manuscript is described as a 'codex aureus.' The term 'granular gold' is used to distinguish it from shell gold or other powdered forms used post-1200 (p. 70). Burnishing marks are visible as horizontal and vertical strokes on the parchment support (p. 70).
Scientific Analysis
Chemical CompositionAu
Analytical Techniques
raking light
microscope
Certainty Level
Confirmed
Instrumentally Verified
Verified
Metadata
Material Type
ink
Paper TypeParchment
ColorGold
RegionEgypt
Approx. Year1050
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
CollectionCodex Theodosianus (Sinai, Monastery of Saint Catherine, cod. 204)
Language
N/A
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