An Analytical Investigation on the Dancheong Pigments by Hyperspectral Technique: Focusing on Green Colors

Abstract

This study demonstrates the application of hyperspectral analysis as a pigment identification method for modern and contemporary Dancheong, the polychrome surface on traditional Korean wooden buildings. In particular, green pigments are the focus of this study. Green pigments in modern and contemporary Dancheong have the largest variation of materials and show a noticeable timeline. Thus, they are most suitable for estimating the manufacture or restoration period of Dancheong. Hyperspectral analysis is a noncontact, long-distance measurement technique that has advantages in the field of Dancheong analysis. It is capable of identifying both organic and inorganic pigments, unlike existing analysis methods. For this experiment, green and other pigments used during the modern and contemporary era were selected and made into painted samples under various mixing conditions that reflect their actual uses. Through hyperspectral analysis, their reflectance characteristics were observed, which enables the derivation of four main features that can distinguish the type of pigments used for color mixture. Based on these, a pigment identification system was designed in the form of a flowchart, and its utility was confirmed through site application. Despite some limitations at this stage, the technique can be complemented by considering proper measurement methods or the continuous accumulation of samples and data. If a database on various materials, mixing ratios, painting techniques, and other external interference factors is developed in future research, it would provide the foundation for a faster and safer analysis environment of Dancheong sites.