<i>Kirikane</i> or <i>kirigane</i> is a method of arranging cut strips or small geometrical shapes of gold leaf into linear designs within the context of an overall composition; <i>kindei</i>, a mixture of pulverized gold and binder, is applied like any other pigment. Seaweed glue is frequently used in <i>kirikane</i> to adhere the strips onto the support. Examined three Japanese paintings. The gold lattice pattern had a matte appearance which was not characteristic of <i>kirikane</i>; a white particulate under latticed areas was identified by x-ray diffraction (XRD) as pulverized talc. Several analytical techniques were used to find out what method of gold application was used in executing these paintings; optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray radiography verified that the gold was cut leaf the matte finish was caused by the irregular texture of the underlying talc layer. X-ray densitometry was employed to compare modern and ancient gold leaf. Experimental notes identify the equipment used for the analyses.