Gold beaters in Bagan hammering on pure 24 karat gold, flattening it to thin plates (fig.), in several stages. These plates are being made to be applied onto the stupa of the Shwezigon Phaya (fig.).

Though the production process could easily be modernized using a mechanical machine press, yet it is still done in the traditional way as it is believed that this manner is more respectful and allows for the workers to gain merit.