External PIXE analysis of a handwritten Persian endowment deed belonging to the Timurid dynasty

The external PIXE analysis yielded valuable information on the constituent elements of the paper, inks, and illumination of a handwritten document belonging to the Timurid dynasty (1485 A.D). The inks were found to be different in terms of their constituent matrix and trace elements. The applied inks are classified into three groups according to their relative concentration of Ca and Fe. The characteristic elements of the pigments suggested their origin. The chemical interaction of the green pigment, which influences the degradation of the paper, is discussed. The results aid the conservator in making treatment decisions. Moreover, the presented data allows the assignment of the provenance and a probable dating of similar samples via the chronology of the used pigments.