noun
Refers to gold of high purity, often contrasted with alloys or plated items. Cross-referenced with 純金.
See also: 純金
この指輪は本金でできている。
This ring is made of pure gold.
noun
Business term for the total amount of capital contributed by shareholders. Cross-referenced with 資本金.
See also:
会社の本金は1億円です。
The company's capital stock is 100 million yen.
noun
liquid gold (for ceramics)
Specialized term for a gold solution used in decorating ceramics and other surfaces. Cross-referenced with 水金.
See also: 水金
陶芸家は本金を使って茶碗に金彩を施した。
The potter applied gold decoration to the tea bowl using liquid gold.
水金 is a synonym for liquid gold used in ceramics; 本金 is an alternative term.
Compound of 本 (ほん, 'true, real') and 金 (きん, 'gold'). The meaning 'capital stock' likely derives from the idea of 'principal money'.