Gold Leafed & Rusted Buffalo Skull

This real, large male Buffalo skull was first gilded in genuine gold leaf.. It is then finished with a hand-applied bronze iron paint that introduces real metal particles into the surface. Once cured, a rusting agent is carefully applied, triggering an authentic oxidation process in the iron content of the paint. As the reaction unfolds, natural rust forms across the surface, creating rich variations in tone, texture, and depth.

This process is guided rather than controlled, allowing the material to respond organically. The resulting finish carries the visual weight of aged metal—earthy, raw, and tactile—while remaining permanently set into the surface of the skull. No two pieces oxidize in the same way, ensuring each work is a singular expression shaped by time, chemistry, and craftsmanship.

24.5" tall x 26" wide x 11.5" deep