Around 700 AD, the use of gold leaf in Buddhist art spread from India to Southeast Asia, enhancing the visual splendor of Buddha statues and temples. This practice not only reflected the wealth and devotion of patrons but also played a role in the spiritual significance of the artworks. The incorporation of gold leaf became a hallmark of Buddhist artistic traditions, influencing aesthetic practices across the region.

The use of gold leaf in Buddhist art across Asia since 700 enriched Buddhist poetic traditions, inspiring sutra-inspired verse worldwide. Poets like Han-shan incorporated the symbolism of gold into their works, reflecting spiritual enlightenment and the beauty of impermanence.