A Study of Pigment, Adhesive, and Firing Temperature in Pottery Figurines Excavated from the Tomb of Qibi Ming, China

Some painted pottery figurines were excavated from the tomb of Qibi Ming of the Tang Dynasty. A series of analytical techniques were employed to understand the craftsmanship of these painted pottery figurines. The pigment, cross-section, adhesive, and firing temperature were analyzed using microscopy (OM), energy X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDX), micro-Raman spectroscopy, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), and a dilatometer (DIL). The results demonstrated that the surface of the pigment layers had degraded to different degrees. The pigment particles were litharge, gypsum, malachite, cinnabar, hematite, minium, white lead, and carbon black. The cross-sectional images show that the painted layer of figurines 10-0966 and 10-0678 included a pigment layer and a preparation layer. The preparation layer of both pigments was lead white. Animal glue was used as an adhesive. The firing temperature of the pottery figurines was likely 1080 degrees C. This study can provide more accurate information with regard to the composition of the raw materials utilized in the making of these artifacts and support the selection of appropriate substances for the purposes of conservation and restoration of the painted pottery figurines.

Automated summary

This study employed various analytical techniques to investigate the craftsmanship of painted pottery figurines excavated from the tomb of Qibi Ming in the Tang Dynasty. The results showed that the surface of the pigment layers had degraded to different degrees, and the pigment particles included litharge, gypsum, malachite, cinnabar, hematite, minium, white lead, and carbon black. The cross-sectional images revealed the structure of the painted layer and preparation layer of the figurines, with lead white commonly used as the preparation layer. The firing temperature was estimated to be 1080 degrees Celsius. This study provides important information for understanding the composition of the raw materials used in the production of these artifacts and guiding conservation and restoration efforts.