| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials Science & Technology 2020
|
| Symposium
|
Art and Cultural Heritage: Discoveries and Education
|
| Presentation Title |
An Unusual Green Pigment in a Korean Temple Banner |
| Author(s) |
Christina Bisulca, Christopher Foster, Katherine Kasdorf, Zhongrui (Jerry) Li |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Christina Bisulca |
| Abstract Scope |
The Detroit Institute of Arts is undertaking a technical analysis of a large Korean temple banner, Ksitigarbha as Supreme Lord of the Underworld, dated to the early 18th century. The silk support is deteriorated, and appears embrittled with large fractures which in some areas has led to total loss. Silk damage occurs in specific motifs, all of which are associated with green pigment. Based on analysis, areas with severe silk deterioration are associated with a green copper chloride pigment whereas stable green areas are painted with malachite. This green copper chloride contained primarily atacamite, botallackite, and copper oxalate based on x-ray diffraction. Botallackite, an unstable copper chloride, is not commonly used as a pigment but has been found in other Asian paintings and polychromy. It is believed to be synthetic based on morphology in scanning electron microscopy. The deterioration of silk caused by this pigment mixture is under ongoing investigation. |