Traditional Swiss cow toy

This traditional wooden cow toy was found in a flea market and embellished with gold. Silke Droessaert has created spots on the cow, with several layers of blanc de Troyes (calcium carbonate). The raised white surfaces were then finely sanded and covered with gilding plate and fine gold leaf. The surface is polished with agate stone for a matte and shiny finish, a technique known as 'gilding in tempera'.