Abstract:Twelve hairpins, unearthed from the tomb of Empress Xiao of Emperor Sui Yang in Yangzhou in 2013, have been so far identified exactly as a group of hairpins, the owner of which was at the empress level in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. In our study, using a variety of modern analysis methods including X-ray flaw detection,microscopic observation,scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) micro-spectrometry, etc., to test and analyze this set of hairpins, we found the morphological structures, decorative features, material properties and craft characteristics of these hairpins. The results above could provide a scientific basis for in-depth research of women’s hairpins in the Sui and Tang Dynasties in the fields of archaeology, technology history and art history.

Abstract:The hoof-shaped ingots unearthed from the tomb of Marquis Haihun are very important with regard to the study of gold coinage during the Han dynasty. There are inlaid ornamentations in each hoof-shaped ingot, most of which have been seriously corroded.In order to identify the inlay materials in the hoof-shaped ingots, we used polarized light microscopy (PLM), backscatter scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry (BSE-EDS), infrared spectrometry (IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to study the samples. The results reveal that the inlaid ornamentations can be classified into four types:tremolite, opal, lead-barium glass and lead silicate glass. The glassy state of lead-barium glass is basically preserved, and the corrosion products have recrystallized due to the changes of the burial environment, eventually becoming lead carbonate. However, the corrosion of lead silicate glass is entirely different in that the exterior with higher siliceous component has formed a compact shell, with the botryoidal (grape cluster-like) lead carbonate filled in the cavity of the small amount of silica inside the shell. The study could provide a theoretical support for the subsequent restoration of hoof-shaped ingots.

Abstract:In our study, we carried out structural and compositional analyses on nine bronze samples excavated from the Wangjinglou Site using metallographic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Only tools and weapons were found in this batch of bronzes. The results reveal the diversification of the bronze materials and the non-unitary processing modes of the bronzes. The bronzes from the Wangjinglou Site belong to the early use stage of copper alloy and the results show that the ancients there had accumulated experience in forging technology.

Abstract:Raman spectroscopy is a very powerful tool for identifying the corrosion products of copper alloys. In our study, the Raman spectra of five chloride-containing corrosion products (atacamite, clinoatacamite, botallackite, sampleite and connellite) from ancient bronze and copper objects were obtained, and the morphology of corrosion products was observed with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the Raman spectra of atacamite, clinoatacamite and botallackite (they are isomeric substances) are different. Atacamite and clinoatacamite are more commonly-seen and often mixed together.Scanning electron microscopy reveals that atacamite is mainly granular morphologically, although grape-like, crustacean-like and stalactitic ones have also been found. Botallackite is very rare because of its instability, and is generally mixed with the other two. Currently it has only been observed in the shape of plates. Sampleite corrosion products are thick, loose and soft, often found on bronze objects in arid areas or from tombs with animal or human remains. The SEM photomicrograph shows a form of closed buds with multiple petal-like crystal components. Connellite is even rarer and has only been detected on two objects. The reasons for the formation of five corrosion products are also discussed in this paper.

Abstract:Although Xuanyuan mirrors are hung within the curled dragon caisson ceiling in many structures in the Forbidden City, little research has been carried out concerning Xuanyuan mirror.In this paper, the Xuanyuan mirror and its accessories such as gourd-shaped painted enamelware in Wanchun Pavilion were analyzed using a variety of instrumental analysis methods. The analytical results indicate that the glass ball matrix of the Xuanyuan mirror is made of potassium-lead glass and that a tin amalgam technique was employed in the plating layer. The date of manufacture was later than the end of the 17th century. The analytical results of the decorative gourd-shaped painted enamel reveal that the chemical composition of the white base glaze is similar to “Glass white” material. The matrices of enamel glazes with different colors are also made of potassium-lead glass. Lead tin yellow plays a dual function as colorant and opacifier in the yellow enamel glaze. Lead arsenate is the opacifier in the blue enamel glaze, and gold particles are the colorant in the rouge red enamel glaze. The colorant material of the brown contour line is hematite. Most of the painted enamel glaze materials were pre-melted, and the white base glaze, brown contour lines and other colored enamel glazes were painted in sequence before final firing.

Abstract:In this research, we used several modern analytical methods, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry, micro-Raman spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and powder X-ray diffraction to analyze six Song Dynasty lacquerware fragments excavated in Wenzhou.We sought to discover the lacquering technologies used for these ancient lacquerwares. The results show that 1) raw lacquer is the main component of the lacquer film; 2) the main component of the red pigmentis cinnabar, and that of the black one may be carbon black; 3) the ancient lacquer film is basically complete, except for a few cracks, pits and holes in it; 4) cross-sections show clear stratification; 5) the silvery metal part on the lacquer film is tin and tin dioxide, indicating tin-inlaid lacquerwares rather than silver-inlaid ones; and 6) animal ash was added to the gray paint layers in the Song Dynasty.

Abstract:In ancient times, drying oils and other additives were usually added to raw lacquer in the manufacture of lacquerwares for the purpose of improving the performance of lacquer film. In order to determine the types of the raw lacquer and additives, we first used thermally assisted hydrolysis-methylation pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (THM-Py-GC/MS) to analyze the reference sample, and then applied the verified methods and experimental conditions to the study of ancient lacquerwares.The results show that 3-pentadecylcatechol(C15), 3-pentadecenylcatechol(C15:1), which are characteristic components of raw lacquer tapped from Rhus vernicifera, lacquer trees grown mainly in China and Japan, were found in the ancient samples. The type of raw lacquer was determined accordingly. In addition, some fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid and azelaic acid were detected in the ancient lacquerwares, which are typical components of drying oil, indicating that drying oil was added to the lacquer films. Moreover, three-dimensional video microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to reveal the lacquer-making techniques of the ancient lacquerwares described here. Ancient lacquerers applied ash, primer and color paint on the lacquer bodies successively. The black pigment is an iron compound, and the lacquer ash is made from lacquer, albite and quartz.

Abstract:In order to study the diseases and preservation state of the Qianlong imperial monument located in the Beijing Capital Museum, we evaluated the degree of its weathering, the development of surface fissures, and its surface contamination and discoloration using a variety of nondestructive and small-sample invasive techniques such as digital photography, nonmetal ultrasonic detection, tape bonding force testing, as well as the use of a portable chromometer and a portable video microscope. The results show that surface pollution and discoloration are the main diseases of the Qianlong imperial monument. Slight crusting, scaling, erosion and fissure development also exist on some parts of the monument, but overall the degree of weathering is not severe.So far, the Qianlong imperial monument is in a fairly good state of preservation. This study could provide a reference for subsequent protection measures.

Abstract:In our study, four full-scale through-mortise and tenon joints were designed and manufactured according to the engineering practice regulations by the Qing Ministry of Works. Three of them were strengthened with various materials:bamboo bracing, angle steel and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) sheet. We carried out low cyclic reversed loading tests by improving the quasi-static test setup for mortise and tenon joints to analyze the failure mechanism, load bearing capacity, ductility, energy dissipation capacity and process of separation between mortise and tenon. The results show that in comparison with the reference joint, the peak loads in the positive direction of the joints strengthened with bamboo bracing, angle steel and CFRP sheet increased by 92.4%, 54.6% and 63.0% respectively, while the peak loads in the negative direction increased by 61.5%,75.7% and 39.0% respectively. The stiffness of the reference joint and the joint strengthened with angle steel were almost the same initially, and both increased at first and decreased then as the angle of rotation increased. Meanwhile, stiffness of joints strengthened with bamboo bracing and CFRP sheet were dramatically greater than that of the reference joint initially and showed a monotone decrease with an increase of the angle of rotation. In addition, the extracting length of tenons of joints strengthened with bamboo bracing and angle steel were obviously smaller than that of the reference joint at the same rotation levels, indicating that bamboo bracing and angle steel both had contributions to delaying the extraction of tenon.

Abstract:Collotype printing is one of the main replication methods for ancient calligraphy and paintings. Collotype printing can reflect original artistic features of ancient Chinese calligraphy and paintings very well. Therefore, its use can result in certain difficulties in identifying the authenticity of calligraphy and paintings at the same time. In our study, we analyzed collotype printing ink and traditional writing ink using video microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectrometry and Raman spectrometry. The result shows that collotype printing ink and traditional Chinese ink are different in morphology and composition. This could provide a scientific basis for identification of suspected collotype prints.

Abstract:In order to study the preservation of paper cultural relics, raw material composition, production process and causes of disease, scientific research and conservation were carried out on the 1940 Guilin version of the Jiuwang Daily. The functional group structure of the paper fiber was analyzed using a Nicolet 8700 Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The paper fiber was observed by a XWY-VI fiber measuring instrument to identify the fiber type; the VHX-1000E video microscope and field emission scanning electron were also used. JSM-6700F microscope was used to analyze the processing of the paper sample and the degree of aging and contaminants to determine whether it is filled or sized. On this basis, in the restoration, the traditional decoration technology and the wire mesh reinforcement technology are combined to protect the cultural relics. The restored cultural relics solved the matching of the missing parts, the wrinkles were flattened, the disease effects were removed, the strength of the paper was enhanced, and the original appearance of the cultural relics was restored, thereby improving the integrity and ornamentation of the cultural relics. Research provides better historical data.

Abstract:In order to obtain information about the materials used to make jade artifacts unearthed from the Shang Dynasty tombs at Dingzhou Freight Yard in Dingzhou, we used three kinds of non-destructive optical technology, including X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser Raman spectroscopy (Raman), to do scientific analysis. The results provide us with the information of compositions, mineral phases and structures,helping us investigate the sources of jade materials, manufacturing technologies and communications between civilizations. We further explored the level of production of these objects, as well as the social development, economic organization of the people possessing these jade artifacts at that time.

Abstract:At the Zhidanyuan Sluice Site of the Yuan Dynasty, the wooden components in the humid environment have been treated with 3-iodo-2-propynyl-butyl-carbamate (IPBC), a fungicide, for eight years. According to a survey in 2012, the total amount of bacteria and fungi were reduced by 89% and 56% in comparison with those recorded in 2007. However, the efficacy period of IPBC has been found to be shortened in recent years. Therefore, we reinvestigated fungal species on the wooden components and reevaluated antifungal effects of IPBC, in order to effectively arrest fungal growth on the water-saturated wooden components of the sluice site. In this study, eight high-abundance molds were isolated from the wooden components. The identification of the strains by morphological characteristics, culture characteristics and DNA-ITS sequence analysis shows that the species are significantly different from the previous ones. Widely distributed are an unclassified fungus and Trichoderma viride which have not been found at the site previously. The antifungal effects of IPBC on these fungi were tested using the method of filter paper fungistasis; the results show that the antifungal agents for wooden relics at the sluice site need to be updated.

Abstract:In July 2009, a set of jade ornaments was unearthed during Tomb M98 excavation as part of the extension project of Xianyang International Airport. Due to the limited conservation supplies, conservators packed the entire set in plaster and moved it back to the lab. Then micro-excavation was conducted layer by layer, along with cleaning and documentation (such as drawing, photographing and description). The jade ornament set was successfully restored through discussion with archaeologists and review of the literature, as well as reference to previous similar conservation work. In the meantime, a series of scientific analysis were carried out. The results show that 1) the hook was made of bronze with a gilt surface; 2) the jade plate was made of nephrite; 3) the beads were made of lead glass that was originally yellowish green, but the surface of which is now covered with a white layer of lead carbonate due to serious corrosion; 4) the two pendants were made of calcite.

Abstract:This article introduces the methods and characteristics of 3D modeling technology based on Remake software and explores the application of this technology to digital reconstruction of cliff carvings. We selected the Guihai Forest of Steles, which is located in Guilin, Guangxi, as our research object. Remake software was used to process the image obtained by the digital shooting equipment and to conduct the quick and accurate reverse modeling of cliff carvings. Then the accuracy of 3D Remake reconstruction was analyzed according to the accurate verification of the feature points of the point cloud data acquired by the 3D scanner and the data acquired by this method.The 3D model data could be saved and exhibited as digital archives which have great significance for enhancing the protection measures for cliff carvings.