III · The Mineral Ledger
酋
Folio 07 / 12
What the pigment costs
Gold leaf is rare — but
lapis is the true expense.
TOTAL OUTLAY
₹4.7L
per commission
Share of material cost — single paubha commission
Lapis-lazuli ultramarine — ground stone
44%
Gold leaf — hairline outlining & medallions
27%
Cinnabar vermilion — deity field & borders
18%
Malachite green — lotus rings & ground
11%
Source: Patan workshop pigment ledgers, 1860–1895 · sample of 41 commissioned paubha
Bindu Atelier
07 / 12
This is the
Kathmandu Tantric Mandala
design system, applied by
Curio Design
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