Beyond Gold: Mosaic, Painted, and Foil Decoration

The mastery of gold leaf is but one skill in the binder’s decorative repertoire. Mosaic binding is another, more exacting finishing method. The inlay mosaic technique (seen on the first three bindings) involves cutting out a figural shape from the covering leather, then replacing it with an alternate piece of the same size and thickness but a contrasting color or grain. In the onlay technique, the contrasting leather pieces are laid over the covering leather, appearing in relief. Both methods can create elaborate decorative or narrative scenes.

The painted leather armorial is another decorative option, as seen on the fourth binding. The fifth binding combines cutout leather and gold and silver foil on a background of red foil. Sheets of mica, a clear silica material, protect the exposed painted areas and reflective foil.