The aesthetic dimensions of preparing and applying gold dye to Iraqi clays

Abstract

This study deals with the aesthetic dimensions of the preparation of the gold dye to and its application to the Iraqi clays, introducing the potter to the mechanism of preparing gold dye locally, some of the primary compounds, and the mechanism of applying it to Iraqi clay. Several mixtures of gold dye were used that differed in terms of the percentage of gold metal and materials included in the mixtures by raising and lowering the percentage of compounds included in the mixture and adding other assistant materials. This paper consists of five chapters, the first chapter tackles the general framework of the research, and the problem, Is it possible to prepare gold dye locally and apply it to the ceramic surface? The importance of the research may lie in:

1. Prepare gold dye locally.
2. Studying the effect of gold pigment and the possibility of applying it to the surface of a ceramic object.
3. Contributing to enriching the aesthetic aspect by adding melted gold and new surface properties for adoption by potters in their artistic work.

The goal of this study is to produce a gilded ceramic surface. The second chapter deals with the theoretical framework: This chapter represents gold and its locations, tackles gold ores and types, also touches on methods for extracting gold. This chapter represents gold oxides, their properties and uses, and represents decoration and methods of treating ceramic surfaces. It also tackles glass and the components of glazes. The third chapter deals with the procedures of the research: the clay used in shaping the objects of the research samples was prepared, in addition to preparing the gold dye mixtures applied to these objects. Some mixtures were excluded, this was due to its failure, and the latter was adopted due to the emergence of good results through it, and the samples were burned at a temperature of (1000 °C), and the readymade white glass and black glass were applied to the pottery objects, and the use of a gas oven in the burning process at a temperature of (960 °C), the gold dye mixture was prepared, applied to the samples, and burned at a temperature of (660°C). The number of samples reached (12). The fourth chapter deals with the results, the most significant results reached by the research are:

1. Gold metal does not dissolve easily in any solution, so use aqua regia solution to dissolve it.
2. No result was obtained that verified the research hypothesis in samples (1-7).
3. A good primary result was obtained in sample (8) using the filtration process.
4. Adopting the filtration process in preparing subsequent mixtures.
5. Using gold without adding other metals leads to clarity of color and gives beauty and luster.
6. Use a liquid material such as varnish to facilitate the application of dye to surfaces.

The fifth chapter includes conclusions, recommendations and proposals.