Potential of organic residues on Chinese export porcelain from Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Abstract

Organic residue analysis offers an alternative perspective and further understanding of archaeological artefacts. Chinese tradeware studies have provided evidence on previous trade of ceramic goods and helped to map past trade routes. What, if anything, was contained in the vessels is a matter of conjuncture and textual claims. Despite substantial archaeological ceramics research little organic residue analysis has been undertaken on porcelain. This is curious as residues have been detected and characterised on similar silicate surfaces such as glass vessels. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has emerged as a useful non-destructive tool for archaeological investigation. Results from this study indicate the successful application of this technique for the detection of extant organic residues on high-fired glazed Chinese tradeware porcelains.