Some metal ornaments covered with patterned gold leaves were excavated from two Chu tombs (dating back to the late Spring and Autumn period), namely M12 in Zhaoxiang and M5 in Caojiagang in Dangyang, Hubei province. Compared with other analogous artifacts, the large number, diverse characteristics and exquisite craftsmanship of these gold leaves suggest significant historical value and high status, which will contribute to the understanding of the burial customs of the Chu State during the Eastern Zhou period. In our research, we applied a variety of scientific methods, including scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), three-dimensional video microscopy, laser confocal microscopy, colorimetry, vancometer measurement and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to study 194 gold leaf samples in terms of their elemental content, thickness, color, glossiness, patterns and manufacturing techniques. The results indicate that 1) the gold leaves are Au-Ag alloys which contains 82%～95% gold and 5%～18% silver; 2) the thickness varies from 7 to 35 μm. Compared with other gold leaves unearthed from pre-Qin tombs, these gold leaves are the thinnest and have relatively higher gold contents. In addition, their surfaces are much brighter and have abundant sculptural types, as well as more elaborate ornamentation. Combining the scientific data obtained, we also evaluated the superb manufacturing techniques of the Chu State based on the technical characteristics of gold leaves. The smelting technology and manufacturing process used for these gold leaves are discussed in this paper.