Multi-analytical approach to the mural painting from an ancient tomb of Ming Dynasty in Jiyuan, China: Characterization of materials and techniques

Abstract

The pigments, surface deposition, preparatory layer and support from a mural painting tomb of Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE) were first time analyzed by micro-Raman, Fourier-transform Infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) to reach a better understanding of the composition of the materials and the techniques adopted.All the pigments were identified, including hematite, cinnabar, malachite, yellow ochre, calcite and carbon black. The preparatory layer was found to be prepared by fine lime mortar with cotton fiber inside. The crystalline depositions on the mural painting were identified as calcite and dolomite originated from the lime-based preparatory layer. The support was found to be constructed with sticky rice lime mortar with several kinds of additives. The original lime stone was demonstrated to be magnesium-rich and the carbonization results were also discussed.These results revealed significant information on the materials and techniques used to build mural painting tomb in Ming Dynasty. This will benefit the further restoration and conservation works and also provide a methodology solution for the scientific analysis of ancient tomb mural paintings.