From gold to brocade

In the special paper package, called the “form”, small squares of gold are inserted, which have been cut from a thin ribbon obtained by processing an ingot through a machine known as a rolling mill. The “form” is subjected to the beating process, using hammers of different shapes and weights, which is why the machine is called a gold-beater. Thin leaves of gold are obtained in this manner, which are then cut into the desired size and inserted into booklets of tissue paper.

We can also obtain threads from gold or silver, making use of complex procedures, which can be used in the weaving of precious fabrics, such as the shiny Veronese brocades on display here, reproducing a concept by Giuseppe Lisio, ancestor of the Florentine manufacturer by the same name.