Abstract
Scientific analysis revealed the materials and techniques used in the process of making polychrome sculptures providing a solid foundation for the protection and restoration of the painted statues. In addition, the analyses revealed changes in colour schemes applied to the sculptures can provide the basis for the virtual restoration of the painted statues. In order to carry out scientifically-informed protection and restoration of the Bodhidharma statue from the Lingyan Temple, Changqinq, Shandong, several analytical methods such as optical microscope (OM), Micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-RS), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed. Analyses clearly reveal the information including the stratigraphic structure and the composition of pigment. The use of silver foils and golden yellow pyrophyllite mineral to replace gold foils were found in the gilding paint layer in the later repainting after the Song Dynasty. This work reports the coexistence of emerald green (Cu(C2H3O2)2·3Cu(AsO2)2) and the degradation product lavendulan (NaCaCu5(AsO4)4Cl·5H2O) in large areas of the paint stratigraphy and on the surface confirming that the degradation of emerald green is related to the thickness of the paint layer; in thinner paint layers emerald green is transformed in lavendulan, while thicker layers of contain both lavendulan and emerald green, suggesting an environmental source of chlorides.
Highlights
Introduction and the aims of researchThe Lingyan Temple (灵岩寺) is located in the Lingyan mountain in Wande town (万德镇), Changqing district ( 长清区), Jinan, Shandong province, China, about 20 km from Mount Tai (Fig. 1)
In the process of maintenance, C-14 dating of the wooden structures within some of the arhat sculptures determined that of the 40 arhat statues, 27 were from the Song Dynasty and 13 date to the Ming Dynasty [1, 2]
Multiple analytical techniques including ultra depth of field 3D microscopy (OM), Micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-RS), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), etc. were applied to analyse the paint layers from the Bodhidharma statue
Summary
Introduction and the aims of researchThe Lingyan Temple (灵岩寺) is located in the Lingyan mountain in Wande town (万德镇), Changqing district ( 长清区), Jinan, Shandong province, China, about 20 km from Mount Tai (Fig. 1). (1368–1644 CE) Dynasties are preserved in the Qianfo hall (千佛殿). These polychrome statues, especially the works of Song Dynasty, are skilfully sculpted with vivid and lifelike characters, and are recognized as rare masterpieces among ancient Chinese sculptures, and were once praised as the first famous statues in China by Mr Liang Qichao (梁启超). The objective of this paper is the Bodhidharma (菩提达摩) statue, which is a typical Song Dynasty work. This statue is colorful and rich, the expression of the characters is solemn and serene, tolerant and introspective. Bodhidharma was a native of India who came to China during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589 CE) and founded Chinese Zen Buddhism (禅 宗). The statue of Bodhidharma was placed at the first place on the right hand side of the entrance to the Qianfo Hall, which meant the statue received more attention and favor from visitors than other statues
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