Analysis of a blue pigment unearthed from the Kizil Grottoes
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(1. Qiuci Academy of Xinjiang, Aksu Prefecture 842300, China;2. Xinjiang Museum, Urumqi 830000, China)

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    Abstract:

    The Kizil Grottoes are a well-known treasure house of Buddhist arts and a rich source of historical and cultural relics, which are important materials for studying the cultural exchange and integration of the Silk Road. During a remedial conservation of wall paintings in the Kizil Grottoes, a blue pigment block was recovered from the sand in front of Cave 189. A variety of methods were applied to analyze the unearthed pigment:X-ray diffraction (XRD) for component analysis; Raman spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) for comparison of component and phase with the blue sample taken from the wall paintings of Cave 189; Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for identification of possible binding media contained in the unearthed pigment. The results show that the unearthed blue pigment is lapis lazuli and that the binding medium contained is plant gum. The combination of multiple analytical methods provided comprehensive and detailed information on the objects analyzed, and also experience and reference for studying the wall painting materials and technologies of the Kizil Grottoes.

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  • Received:
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  • Online: September 16,2019
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