The gold seen on the vessels above is gold leaf. I use gold leaf on the exterior of pots on occasion because, really there is really nothing like it! After a thin layer of size (adhesive) is applied to the surface the gold leaf is carefully laid on with a gilders brush. After it has set, the leaf is burnished and sealed with a thin clear protective coating. I also use gold lustre on the rims and edges of pieces. The gold that is used in a lustre form is suspended in a liquid medium and brushed on to the piece and later fired.
