A Study on Painting Characteristics by Analysis of Pigments Used in Unhangak Hall Dancheong in Hwaryeongjeon Shrine, Suwon

Abstract

A microscopy investigation has been performed together with non-destructive component analysis to verify properties of pigments used in Unhangak Hall Dancheong in Hwaryeongjeon Shrine, Suwon. In addition, X-ray diffraction analysis, polarization microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed on the pigment specimens collected at the site. Dividing the Unhangak interior into areas and performing pigment property analyses has confirmed that the pigments Jusa, Jangdan, and Sukganju (iron oxide, red ocher) have been used for red colors. Jahwang, Gold, and Gamboge (organic pigments) have been used for yellows, the pigments Hayeob, Seokrok, Neorok, Samrok, and Chrome green have been used for greens, and Seogcheong and Heocheong have been used for blues. Baekto, Yeonbaek, Hobun, and Chalk have been used for whites, and Meog has been used for black. The inclusion of Chrome green (a modern pigment) among the pigments used to produce the Dancheong of Unhangak Hall has been confirmed. With this one exception, traditional pigments have been used. One unique property of the dancheong decorating Unhangak Hall include the use of higher than ordinary proportions of Jusa and Hayeob than is ordinarily found in traditional buildings. Another distinction is that expensive pigments including Seogcheong, Heocheong, Seokrok, Jusa, Jahwang, Gold, and Hayeob have been intensively used in worship spaces including the center compartment (Jeongkan) and Nae-hap. These pigments have been used over a coating of white primer (mostly Baekto, Yeonbaek, Hobun or Chalk) to improve choromaticity and color vibrance.