In the Bavarian city of Schwabach, the production of gold leaf to decorate homes, churches, statues or picture frames has been a widespread craft for many centuries, a unique feature in Germany. In the 19th century, hundreds of townspeople were familiar with the art of "stamping" gold leaf. But today, only two companies still practise the craft using traditional methods, and the small town hopes it can gain UNESCO cultural heritage status. “For me, it's important that this craft survives and that the various gestures remain the same as they were 100 years ago,” says Lara Haferung, master gilder at the Noris Blattgold company. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES N°347A22E