The golden appearance of the pyxis results from the use by the goldsmith of an amalgam gilding. This technique, dangerous for the craftsman, consists of mixing gold and mercury. These two metals are then applied to the copper object. Once heated, the mercury evaporates and the gold attaches to the surface of the object. This is followed by the burnishing and polishing processes which make the metal smooth and shiny. Once applied, the amalgam gilding is very solid and its rendering is uniform.
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