Applying Gold Leaf

In this cartoon by the Burmese artist JMP, a Buddha statue has come to life, and is hitting a monk attempting to put gold leaf on him, proclaiming, "Why do you keep putting this gold leaf on me? It's itchy!"

In Burma, the practice of applying gold leaf on Buddha images is a centuries-old tradition. The process involves delicately placing ultra-thin sheets of gold onto the surface of Buddha statues, often with the use of tweezers and a special adhesive.

Gold leaf is produced by hammering gold into extremely thin sheets, sometimes as thin as 1/250,000 of an inch. These sheets are then cut into smaller squares and sold to artisans and craftsmen who use them for various decorative purposes.

While the practice of applying gold leaf on Buddha images in Burma is steeped in tradition and cultural significance, it is not without its critics. Some argue that the use of gold in Buddhist art can be seen as a form of materialism and ostentatious display, which goes against the teachings of Buddhism.

Moreover, some argue that the focus on the external beauty and grandeur of Buddha statues can distract from the more important aspects of Buddhist practice, such as inner peace and compassion towards others. Critics contend that there should be more emphasis on the spiritual essence of Buddhism, rather than the external trappings of wealth and luxury.

From this cartoon, it is perfectly clear what JMP's opinions on the matter are. While such images would have been highly taboo only just a few years ago, even during the democratic transition period, during this time of revolution many are openly questioning age-old beliefs.