Lidded container with birds and floral scrolls, China, Shaanxi province, probably Xi’an, mid-Tang dynasty, early 8th century. Cast, hammered, and turned silver with chased and ring-punched decoration and mercury gilding. Purchase, Freer Gallery of Art, F1931.17a-b © 2017 Smithsonian Institution

This object is not gold but rather gilt silver. The entire surface of the finished piece was heavily gilded after the decoration was chased into it, filling the recessed lines with gold and making it look as if it was fabricated from that more costly material.