Spectroscopy and Spectral Analysis, Volume. 43, Issue 9, 2849(2023)

Application of Spectroscopic Techniques in Investigation of the Mural in Lam Rim Hall of Wudang Lamasery, China

ZHENG Yi-xuan1, PAN Xiao-xuan2, GUO Hong1, CHEN Kun-long1, and LUO Ao-te-gen3
Author Affiliations
  • 1[in Chinese]
  • 2[in Chinese]
  • 3[in Chinese]
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    This article reveals materials and techniques used in the mural in Lam Rim Hall of Wudang Lamasery, which is situated on a hillside of the Yin Mountains in Baotou City of Inner Mongolia, China. The mural was drawn on paper and preserved on the south wall of the hall. It has suffered significant deterioration, such as craquelure, flaking, and paint loss, due to environmental aging or human influences. Before restoring, several spectral techniques, including XRD, Laser particle size analysis, Raman, FTIR-ATR, Hyperspectral, and THM-Py-GC-MS, were used to investigate the compositions and properties of the mural.The results showed that the mural keeps a typical characteristic of Tibetan Buddhism wall painting, while the specificity of times and region about materials and techniques. Both coarse and fine plaster is dominated by quartz, albite and calcite, the composition is consistent with the local raw soil, but with different particle sizes and mixed with different plant fibres. A paper layer is between the plaster and paint layer, hyperspectral was used to extract the red Tibetan marks on the paper, and the legibility substantially improves with MNF and Band Math. Raman analysis showed that vermilion, red lead, chrome yellow, emerald green, and synthetic ultramarine were used in the frame, and the latter three were synthesized in a European lab and did not enter China until the late 19th century. FTIR-ATR and THM-Py-GC-MS results indicated that the surface is coated by a dry oil film, but still, it needs further work to determine its source and processing, and alkyd resin is also be detected as a kind of restoration material.

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    ZHENG Yi-xuan, PAN Xiao-xuan, GUO Hong, CHEN Kun-long, LUO Ao-te-gen. Application of Spectroscopic Techniques in Investigation of the Mural in Lam Rim Hall of Wudang Lamasery, China[J]. Spectroscopy and Spectral Analysis, 2023, 43(9): 2849

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    Paper Information

    Received: Feb. 14, 2023

    Accepted: --

    Published Online: Jan. 12, 2024

    The Author Email:

    DOI:10.3964/j.issn.1000-0593(2023)09-2849-06

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