Gilding, an ancient art of applying a thin coating of gold to surfaces. This may be done by the use of gold leaf or by gold dust in solution. Traces of gilding have been found in the ruins of Egypt, Persia, Greece, and Rome. It was not uncommon to gild statues, ceilings, walls, and furniture. Metals are gilded by various methods, such as rubbing on dry, dipping in baths, applying in the form of an amalgam, paint, etc. The bookbinder uses gold leaf. Lettering and striping are done on leather and cloth by stamping gold leaf with hot brass type. Gilt edges preserve books against dust. They are made by first trimming the paper edges smooth and coating them with fish glue, the best made. The gold leaf is then applied with care to produce a smooth surface. The gold stripes of porcelain are applied with a camel's hair brush, and are burnt in to secure permanency. Among the buildings in which gilt has been used to secure massive effect, St. Peter's at Rome is an example. Gilt picture frames and cornices are used in modern houses, but are yielding to natural woods. The new Congressional Library at Washington is heavily gilded in a style of barbaric splendor, not in keeping with republican simplicity or correct taste. See LIBRARY OF CONGRESS; PAINTING.