Research Based on Optical Non-Destructive Testing of Pigment Identification

Area of Science:

• Art Conservation Science
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate pigment identification is crucial for the authentication and preservation of cultural heritage artifacts.
• Traditional methods for analyzing ancient pigments can be destructive or limited in scope.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply Optical Non-Destructive Testing (ONDT) for elemental and structural analysis of pigments in a Qing Dynasty painting.
• To identify pigment compositions and their interactions to determine the painting's completion timeline.
• To explore the potential of ONDT in developing expert identification systems for cultural relics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized three-dimensional video microscopy, Raman microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Analyzed materials from a Qing Dynasty meticulous painting.
• Employed pigment subtractive colorant and nitikaset principles for result interpretation.

Main Results:

• Identified dark yellow areas resulting from Emerald green and hematite interaction.
• Determined bright yellow edge areas composed of Cu-Zn-Pb.
• Detected an artificial synthetic ultramarine blue, indicating a specific synthesis period.

Conclusions:

• The presence of synthetic ultramarine blue and Paris green helps establish a timeframe for the painting's completion.
• Optical testing provides a viable, non-destructive method for cultural relic identification.
• This research lays the groundwork for advanced optical methods in relic identification, sterilization, and preservation.