About Gold Leaf
Craftsmanship
Techniques
Nanjing Jinling Gold Leaf Group Co., Ltd. (formerly Jiangning Gold Leaf Brocade Factory) was founded on May 1, 1955, with approval from the People’s Bank of China. It is a professional enterprise specializing in the production of genuine gold leaf. The company produces 400 million sheets of gold leaf annually, consuming more than 1,500 kilograms of gold, accounting for over 70% of China’s total gold leaf output, and exports to more than 40 countries and regions, including Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and France. Gold leaf used in world-class and national projects—such as the Palace Museum, the Great Hall of the People, famous temples nationwide, Beijing Tongrentang, and the gilding of sculptures celebrating the return of Hong Kong and Macau—originates from “Jinling Gold Leaf.”
For over 60 years, the company has been committed to the production and R&D of gold leaf, leading more than 600 skilled gold leaf artisans and equipped with world-class production facilities. It has long been at the forefront of the global gold leaf industry. Dedicated to preserving and innovating China’s national intangible cultural heritage of gold leaf craftsmanship, the company continually explores the beauty of gold leaf and creates exquisite works for art, daily life, and collectibles, bringing this traditional craft into thousands of homes.
Jinling Gold Leaf has developed a Gold Leaf Cultural Industry Park centered around the millennia-old heritage and process of Nanjing’s gold leaf forging technique—listed as national intangible cultural heritage—integrating heritage exhibitions, visitor experiences, cultural creativity, and leisure tourism. Through cultural integration, creative infusion, and the unification of production, research, exhibition, and sales, it promotes the high-quality development of the cultural industry.
Heritage
In 2006, the gold leaf forging technique of Nanjing was listed in the first batch of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage. In 2013, Nanjing Gold Leaf was selected as one of the “Symbols of Jiangsu.” In 2018, the “Jinling Brand” gold leaf produced by Jinling Gold Leaf Group was recognized by the Palace Museum as the exclusive gold leaf for palace-style ancient architecture in the Forbidden City.
Philosophy
Every Chinese person is born with a zodiac sign, which becomes a lifelong talisman and symbol of good fortune. The twelve zodiac animals are not just creatures; they are cultural emblems. Across 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, people have attributed symbolic meanings to each zodiac sign, expressing blessings, aspirations, and the pursuit of good fortune—making the zodiac an integral part of traditional Chinese culture. Jinling Gold Leaf has long been renowned, crafted from pure gold through 12 intricate processes and nearly 30,000 hammer strikes. The resulting gold leaf is as thin as cicada wings, as soft as silk, and as light as a feather. In 2006, Nanjing’s gold leaf forging craft was recognized as one of China’s first National Intangible Cultural Heritages. In 2024, the “Jinling” brand was honored as a China Time-Honored Brand. Made from real gold with exquisite craftsmanship, these gilded ornaments—containing up to 98% pure gold—shine brilliantly with dazzling radiance.
Laura.P
Sydney, Australia
I was amazed to learn that gold leaf hammering has such a long history in China. The craftsmanship of Nanjing Jinling Gold Leaf Company is breathtaking—every piece feels like a bridge between tradition and modern art. Truly inspiring to see ancient skills thriving in today’s world.
Hiroshi.T
Tokyo, Japan
The story of gold leaf hammering is fascinating. I admire the patience and skill required to forge pure gold into something so delicate. Nanjing Jinling’s work proves that heritage can adapt beautifully to modern life, whether in architecture, jewelry, or design. A remarkable blend of past and future.
Isabella.R
Madrid, Spain
Gold leaf is not only visually stunning but also deeply symbolic. The fact that artisans can create such thin, flexible sheets is incredible. Nanjing Jinling Gold Leaf Company captures both elegance and authenticity, making me appreciate Chinese cultural heritage even more. It feels like art that lives forever.
David.M
New York, USA
Reading about the thousand-year history of gold leaf hammering gave me chills. Nanjing Jinling preserves this legacy while finding new ways to make it part of daily life. Their products are a testament to human creativity and dedication. This is craftsmanship at its finest, timeless and inspiring.