Spectroscopic Studies on the Characterization of a Persian Playing Card

This paper presents the results of our investigations on a playing card preserved at The Mūzih-i Āynih va Rushanāī in Yazd, Iran. Conducting micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-XRF), micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman), infrared reflectography (IRR), ultraviolet fluorescence photography, radiography, and optical microscopy, various paints applied on the playing card were identified. According to our analytical studies, red, green, blue, black, and gold-like metallic paints were identified to be a red monoazo pigment (β-naphthol PR 53:1), chrome green, artificial ultramarine blue, carbon black, and brass powder (Dutch metal powder), respectively, dating the playing card to 1895 onward based on the manufacturing date of the red monoazo pigment. Barite was also shown to be mixed with the pigments as an extender. On the other hand, the portrait's face of the playing card was peculiarly blackened. Our analytical approach toward characterizing the blackened face showed that the black paint was achieved by carbon black and, in other words, the face was not blackened due to the darkening of Pb-bearing pigments. Moreover, it was shown that there was no underdrawing under the black face and the black paint was most probably executed in the same time with the other paints. Considering the possible use of the playing card, it was suggested not to remove the blackened face in the cleaning process since the black paint was a part of the integrity of the playing card.