scholarly journals Non-Invasive On-Site Raman Study of Pigments and Glassy Matrix of 17th–18th Century Painted Enamelled Chinese Metal Wares: Comparison with French Enamelling Technology

Coatings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Colomban ◽  
Burcu Kırmızı ◽  
Bing Zhao ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Clais ◽  
Yong Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qing Dynasty ◽  
Au Nanoparticles ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Glassy Matrix ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Qing Dynasty ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Lead Arsenate ◽  
Raman Study ◽  
Selection Of

A selection of 10 Chinese enamelled metal wares dating from the 17th–18th centuries (Qing Dynasty) was analysed on-site by mobile Raman microspectroscopy. These wares display cloisonné and/or painted enamels and belong to the collections of Musée du Louvre in Paris and Musée Chinois at the Fontainebleau Castle in France. Pigments (Naples yellow lead pyrochlore, hematite, manganese oxide etc.), opacifiers (fluorite, lead arsenates) and corresponding lead-based glassy matrices were identified. One artefact was also analysed by portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) in order to confirm the Raman data. In some of these metal wares, it is suggested that cassiterite was unpredictably used as an opacifier in some parts of the decor. The results are compared to previous data obtained on Chinese cloisonné and Limoges enamels as well as recent data recorded on painted enamelled porcelains of the Qing Dynasty. Lead arsenate apatite detected in some of the 17th–18th century blue enamelled decors is related to the use of arsenic-rich European cobalt ores, as also characterized in French soft-paste porcelain and glass decors and high-quality Limoges enamels for the same period. However, lead arsenate could then also have been deliberately used for white opacification. The specific Raman signature displaying the shape of the Raman scattering background indicates the presence of colloidal gold (Au° nanoparticles) in red to violet enamelled and cloisonné areas. At least three types of Naples yellow lead pyrochlore pigments identified with Sb-rich, Sn-rich and mixed Sb–Sn–(Zn, Fe?) compositions prove the use of European pigments/recipes.

scholarly journals Investigation of the Pigments and Glassy Matrix of Painted Enamelled Qing Dynasty Chinese Porcelains by Noninvasive On-Site Raman Microspectrometry

Heritage ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 915-940
Author(s):  
Philippe Colomban ◽  
Burcu Kırmızı ◽  
Bing Zhao ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Clais ◽  
Yong Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qing Dynasty ◽  
Au Nanoparticles ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Glassy Matrix ◽  
Lead Arsenate ◽  
Alkali Glass ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Yellow Pigments ◽  
Raman Microspectrometry ◽  
Selection Of

A selection of 15 Chinese painted enameled porcelains from the 18th century (Qing dynasty) was analyzed on-site by mobile Raman and XRF microspectroscopy. The highly prized artifacts are present in the collections of the Musée du Louvre in Paris and Musée Chinois at Fontainebleau Castle in France. In the painted enamels, pigments such as Naples yellow lead pyrochlore, hematite, manganese oxide and carbon and opacifiers such as lead arsenates were detected. The glassy matrices of the enamels mainly belonged to lead-rich and lead-alkali glass types according to the Raman spectra obtained. The glaze and body phases of the porcelain artifacts were also analyzed. The detection of lead arsenate apatite in some of the blue enamels was significant, indicating the use of arsenic-rich European cobalt ores (smalt) and possibly mixing with Asian cobalt. This characteristic phase has also been identified in French soft-paste porcelains and glass decor and high-quality Limoges enamels from the same period. Based on the shape of the Raman scattering background, the presence of colloidal gold (Au° nanoparticles) was identified in red, orange and pink enamels. Different types of Naples yellow pigments were also detected with Sb-rich, Sn-rich and mixed Sb–Sn–(Zn, Fe?) compositions in the yellow enamels. The results were compared to previous data obtained on Chinese cloisonné and painted enameled metalware and Limoges enamels as well as French enameled watches.

scholarly journals The Technology Transfer from Europe to China in the 17th–18th Centuries: Non-Invasive On-Site XRF and Raman Analyses of Chinese Qing Dynasty Enameled Masterpieces Made Using European Ingredients/Recipes

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (23) ◽  
pp. 7434
Author(s):  
Philippe Colomban ◽  
Michele Gironda ◽  
Divine Vangu ◽  
Burcu Kırmızı ◽  
Bing Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qing Dynasty ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Raman Microspectroscopy ◽  
The Other ◽  
The Qing Dynasty ◽  
Lead Arsenate ◽  
Napoleon Iii ◽  
Dark Green ◽  
High Level ◽  
Incense Burner

Two masterpieces of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 CE), one in gilded brass (incense burner) decorated with cloisonné enamels stylistically attributed to the end of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, the other in gold (ewer offered by Napoleon III to the Empress as a birthday present), decorated with both cloisonné and painted enamels bearing the mark of the Qianlong Emperor, were non-invasively studied by optical microscopy, Raman microspectroscopy and X-ray microfluorescence spectroscopy (point measurements and mapping) implemented on-site with mobile instruments. The elemental compositions of the metal substrates and enamels are compared. XRF point measurements and mappings support the identification of the coloring phases and elements obtained by Raman microspectroscopy. Attention was paid to the white (opacifier), blue, yellow, green, and red areas. The demonstration of arsenic-based phases (e.g., lead arsenate apatite) in the blue areas of the ewer, free of manganese, proves the use of cobalt imported from Europe. The high level of potassium confirms the use of smalt as the cobalt source. On the other hand, the significant manganese level indicates the use of Asian cobalt ores for the enamels of the incense burner. The very limited use of the lead pyrochlore pigment (European Naples yellow recipes) in the yellow and soft green cloisonné enamels of the Kangxi incense burner, as well as the use of traditional Chinese recipes for other colors (white, turquoise, dark green, red), reinforces the pioneering character of this object in technical terms at the 17th–18th century turn. The low level of lead in the cloisonné enamels of the incense burner may also be related to the use of European recipes. On the contrary, the Qianlong ewer displays all the enameling techniques imported from Europe to obtain a painted decoration of exceptional quality with the use of complex lead pyrochlore pigments, with or without addition of zinc, as well as cassiterite opacifier.

scholarly journals Materials and Techniques of the “Chun Rong Xuan Mao” Birthday Inscribed Plaque in the Bashu Area of China During the Reign of Tongzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liping Zheng ◽  
Liqin Wang ◽  
Xing Zhao ◽  
Jiali Yang ◽  
Mengxia Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qing Dynasty ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Attenuated Total Reflection ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Late Qing Dynasty ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Qing Dynasty ◽  
New Findings ◽  
History Of ◽  
Materials Used

Abstract In ancient China, people presented inscribed plaques as gifts to the elderly on their birthdays to wish them longevity. Under long-term weathering conditions, the plaques, often hung on the lintel of a door, gradually deform, the words fade,and the decorative parts deteriorate. Whenever possible, original materials and techniques should be used to restore such cultural relics. Therefore, it is important to analyze the materials and techniques used for the production of the inscribed plaques. However, no study has been carried out on the materials and techniques used to create inscribed plaques. In this study, multi-analytical scientific approach, including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-ATR-FTIR), and micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman), were used to explore the materials and techniques utilized to create the “Chun Rong Xuan Mao” birthday inscribed plaque in the Bashu area of China produced during the fifth year of the reign of Tongzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The results showed that the plaque wad made of cypress wood and decorative parts consisting of the surface lacquer layers, plaster lacquer layers and primer lacquer layers. Chinese lacquer was the principal material used in the surface lacquer layers; gypsum and Chinese lacquer were the materials used in the plaster lacquer layers; and the primer lacquer layers was composed of Chinese lacquer, calcite, and mixed pigments by cinnabar and minium. The surface lacquer layers of the inscribed plaque were lacquered black. Gypsum lacquer plaster has been commonly used in the ground layer of lacquerware in modern history. This study confirmed the existence of technology to make lacquerware using gypsum lacquer plaster in the Bashu area during the late Qing Dynasty. Moreover, this study not only provides new findings regarding the traditional production of inscribed plaques and offers technical support for the protection and restoration of such plaques but also has great significance to exploring the history of ancient techniques of lacquering and decorating lacquerware.

scholarly journals The Importance of Being Versatile: INFN-CHNet MA-XRF Scanner on Furniture at the CCR “La Venaria Reale”

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1197
Author(s):  
Leandro Sottili ◽  
Laura Guidorzi ◽  
Anna Mazzinghi ◽  
Chiara Ruberto ◽  
Lisa Castelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Elemental Distribution ◽  
Measuring Head ◽  
Science Field ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Planar Surfaces ◽  
Heritage Science ◽  
Non Destructive

At present, the use of non-destructive, non-invasive X-ray-based techniques is well established in heritage science for the analysis and conservation of works of art. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) plays a fundamental role since it provides information on the elemental composition, contributing to the identification of the materials present on the superficial layers of an artwork. Whenever XRF is combined with the capability of scanning an area to provide the elemental distribution on a surface, the technique is referred to as macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF). The heritage science field, in which the technique is extensively applied, presents a large variety of case studies. Typical examples are paintings, ceramics, metallic objects and manuscripts. This work presents an uncommon application of MA-XRF analysis to furniture. Measurements have been carried out with the MA-XRF scanner of the INFN-CHNet collaboration at the Centro di Conservazione e Restauro “La Venaria Reale”, a leading conservation centre in the field. In particular, a chinoiserie lacquered cabinet of the 18th century and a desk by Pietro Piffetti (1701–1777) have been analysed with a focus on the characterisation of decorative layers and different materials (e.g., gilding in the former and ivory in the latter). The measurements have been carried out using a telemeter for non-planar surfaces, and with collimators of 0.8 mm and 0.4 mm diameter, depending on the spatial resolution needed. The combination of the small measuring head with the use of the telemeter and of a small collimator has guaranteed the ability to scan difficult-to-reach areas with high spatial resolution in a reasonable time (20 × 10 mm2 with 0.2 mm step in less than 20 min).

scholarly journals Characterization of the materials and techniques of a birthday inscribed lacquer plaque of the Qing Dynasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liping Zheng ◽  
Liqin Wang ◽  
Xing Zhao ◽  
Jiali Yang ◽  
Mengxia Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qing Dynasty ◽  
Attenuated Total Reflection ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Late Qing Dynasty ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Qing Dynasty ◽  
New Findings ◽  
History Of ◽  
Materials Used

AbstractIn this study, in order to analyze the materials and techniques used for the production of the inscribed plaques, multi-analytical scientific approach, including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-ATR-FTIR), and micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman), were used to explore the materials and techniques utilized to create the “Chun Rong Xuan Mao” birthday inscribed plaque of the Qing Dynasty. The results showed that the plaque was made of cypress wood and decorative parts consisting of the surface lacquer layers, plaster lacquer layers and primer lacquer layers. Chinese lacquer was the principal material used in the surface lacquer layers; gypsum and Chinese lacquer were the materials used in the plaster lacquer layers; and the primer lacquer layers was composed of Chinese lacquer, calcite, and mixed pigments by cinnabar and minium. The surface lacquer layers of the inscribed plaque were lacquered black. Gypsum lacquer plaster has been commonly used in the ground layer of lacquerware in modern history. This study confirmed the existence of technology to make lacquerware using gypsum lacquer plaster in the Bashu area during the late Qing Dynasty. Moreover, this study not only provides new findings regarding the traditional production of inscribed plaques and offers technical support for the protection and restoration of such plaques but also has great significance to exploring the history of ancient techniques of lacquering and decorating lacquerware.

scholarly journals A Preliminary Spectroscopic Approach to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Water- and Silicone-Based Cleaning Methods on Historical Varnished Brass

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3982
Author(s):  
Michela Albano ◽  
Silvia Grassi ◽  
Giacomo Fiocco ◽  
Claudia Invernizzi ◽  
Tommaso Rovetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Study ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Tween 20 ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Aging Conditions ◽  
Natural Resins ◽  
Cleaning Methods

Soiling deposition and wrong conservation practices are among the causes of the decay process that can affect the morphological, mechanical, and compositional features of the varnish, the most exposed layer of an artefact. In this perspective, the identification of the best cleaning practices is a priority. During the 18th century, scientific instruments of the highest quality were built, and peculiar varnishes were produced to confer protection and elegance to their metal elements. For this study, based on a historical recipe, we have reproduced a peculiar spirit varnish, enriched with natural resins and colorants, and we have applied on it a synthetic soiling mixture to simulate the aging conditions. We have then performed a non-invasive multi-analytical study to monitor the effectiveness of two water-based and a silicone-based, cleaning methods, namely, water in agarose, Tween 20 (3%) in agarose, and Velvesil™ Plus. The study includes colorimetry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping, coupled with chemometrics. Principal component analysis applied to FTIR spectral data has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool to enhance weak variations in the IR spectra, empowering the interpretation of cleaning effect versus the application time of each cleaning test.

scholarly journals Facile Preparation of Gold-Decorated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for CT and MR Dual-Modal Imaging

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 4049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Cai ◽  
Yu Miao ◽  
Li Li ◽  
Hai Fan
Keyword(s):  
Fe3o4 Nanoparticles ◽  
Au Nanoparticles ◽  
Phase Transfer ◽  
Ct Imaging ◽  
Hounsfield Units ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Tumour Diagnosis ◽  
X Ray Computed ◽  
Multifunctional Nanoprobe

The development of a multifunctional nanoprobe capable of non-invasive multimodal imaging is crucial for precise tumour diagnosis. Herein, we report a facile polymer-assisted method to produce Au-Fe3O4 nanocomposites (NCPs) for the dual-modal magnetic resonance (MR) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging of tumours. In this approach, amino-functionalized Au nanospheres were first obtained by surface modification of the bifunctional polymer SH-PEG-NH2. Hydrophilic and carboxyl-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles were produced by phase transfer of reverse micelle oxidation in our previous work. The Au nanoparticles were conjugated with hydrophilic Fe3O4 nanoparticles through an amide reaction. The obtained Au-Fe3O4 nanocomposites display a high r2 relativity (157.92 mM−1 s−1) and a Hounsfield units (HU) value (270 HU) at Au concentration of 8 mg/mL and could be applied as nanoprobes for the dual-modal MR/CT imaging of a xenografted tumour model. Our work provides a facile method to prepare Au-Fe3O4 nanocomposites for dual-modal MR/CT imaging, and this method can be extended to prepare other multifunctional nanoparticles for multimodal bioimaging.

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