Technical study of Gilding ornaments on stony inscriptions in Vank Cathedral- Isfahan

Gilding on stone is a worthwhile ornaments. These ornaments are vulnerable because of their multilayer structure. This art has been used in the objects and architectural ornaments. Nowadays, a few of these ornaments has been identified. Perhaps this is related to vulnerability of gilding. In this research the technical characteristics of a sample of these decorations in Vank Cathedral belonging to the Safavid period has been studied. The aim of this research was the identification and registration of the technical properties of gilding ornaments on stony inscriptions in Vank Cathedral in Isfahan, where these architectural decorations has been neglected in Iran. The reviews and identifying examples of pre-Islamic Iranian art, proved popularity of these ornaments in pre-Islamic Iran. Moreover, examples of Islamic art-especially in the late era of Safavi, Zand and Qajar were identified. Laboratory study of a sample related to the Safavid period demonstrated the application of high-carat gold leaf with an oily substance as a binder. According to the studies conducted by the author, gilding on stone in Iran is done by four 1- Inlaying; 2- The use of gold foil; 3- The use of golf leaf; and finally 4- Pastiglia on stone. Historical Studies and review of written sources with comparison of the infrared spectrum of historical sample strengthened the probability of oil usage as a binder material. The techniques used in decoration of this inscription, was identified as "Leaf gilding"-"Oil-gilding". In this research, type of study has been library, on-site - observational and laboratory, and the method of amassing, has been citations to authentic documents, laboratory studies (wet chemistry and instrumental analysis), on-site observations and microscopic examination. Finally, with the analysis of the gathered data, the conclusion has been reached. The history and techniques of gilding have also been investigated during the study.