The Taidong Tomb in the imperial tombs of the Qing dynasties has great aesthetic value and a rich history. In this study, we conducted the first investigation ever performed on the raw materials used in the paintings in the Taidong Tomb. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), polarized light microscopy (PLM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy (m-RS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) were used to comprehensively analyze the painting of Long’en Hall, Xipei Hall and the ceiling of Minglou. In the conclusion of the study, the paintings were found to contain natural mineral and synthetic pigments, including atacamite (Cu₂Cl(OH)₃), azurite (2CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂), vermilion (HgS), carbon black (C), anglesite (PbSO₄), white lead (2PbCO₃·Pb(OH)₂), synthetic emerald green (Cu(CH₃COO)₂·3Cu(AsO₂)₂) and ultramarine ((Na,Ca)₈(AlSiO₄)₆(SO₄,S,Cl)₂). This allows us to conclude that some of the architectural paintings were repainted in the mid-to-late 19th century. The mortar layer may consist of brick ash (albite, gismondine), lime water, tung oil and flour. The fiber layer material may be ramie. Researching the raw materials of the paintings in the Taidong Tomb is of great value because it provides scientific data for the future preservation of the paintings in the tomb.

In recent years, based on the urgent need in the field of cultural heritage conservation, the research and development of coatings have attracted much attention. FEVE (trifluorovinyl chloride and vinyl ether copolymer) is one of the reinforcing materials in the protective coatings of color paint. However, it has problems such as compactness, low tensile strength, and poor resistance to aging. Therefore, modified graphene was introduced and combined with FEVE coatings (FEVE/m-GO) to optimize their adhesion, compactness, resistance to corrosion, and performance at shielding the paintings from ultraviolet light. The structural features of the hybrid films were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, etc. In addition, the water absorption, mechanical properties, color difference test, and aging resistance of the FEVE/m-GO and simulated samples were investigated. The results showed that the hybrid film with 0.04% m-GO incorporation as an effective consolidant exhibited outstanding comprehensive performance. This composite material was used in the protection and consolidation of the Sanyou Xuan ancient architectural color painting in the Palace Museum, which opened up a new way of thinking about the long-term conservation of color paintings.

Situated in the village of Lama Temple on the eastern bank of the Wulie River in Chengde, Puren Temple stands as one of the few remaining royal temples of great importance from the Kangxi era (1662–1722 AD). This ancient edifice has greatly contributed to the advancement of our comprehension regarding the art of royal temple painting. The present study undertakes a comprehensive analysis and identification of nine samples obtained from the beams and ceiling paintings within the main hall of Puren Temple. Furthermore, a systematic examination of their mineral pigments and adhesives is conducted. The findings from polarized light microscopy (PLM), energy-type X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (ED-XRF), micro-Raman spectroscopy (m-RS), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analyses reveal that the pigments present in the main hall beams of Puren Temple are cinnabar, lead white, lapis lazuli, and lime green, while the pigments in the ceiling paintings consist of cinnabar, staghorn, lead white, lapis lazuli, and lime green. The use of animal glue as a binder for these pigments on both the main hall beams and ceiling paintings is confirmed via pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-Gc/Ms) results. These findings hold significant implications for the future restoration of Puren Temple, as they provide valuable guidance for the selection of appropriate restoration materials.

This research sheds light on the analysis of pigments and adhesives applied on a color painting on wooden architecture in Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Prince Dai’s mansion, located in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province in China. Four samples were collected from the painting above the building beam in the mansion, and the samples were analyzed and identified using a series of techniques, including polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), micro-Raman spectroscopy (m-RS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicate that the red, black, blue, and green pigments were identified to be cinnabar, ivory black, indigo, and phthalocyanine green, respectively. The green pigment was inferred to be a lately repainted pigment based on its production age, suggesting that this ancient building had been refurbished or repaired. Given the good stability and visual effect of this green pigment, it is suggested to be used in future conservation processes. The pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass Spectrometry (Py-Gc/Ms) results indicate that glue containing protein was used as a binder for the pigment samples, and that walnut oil might have been applied to the wooden architecture as a primer before painting. Our findings can well inform curators and conservators of the selection of appropriate restoration materials if necessary, and also provide data support for conservation of similar ancient buildings in southern China.

Color paintings have much aesthetic value and historical importance. This study examined the color paintings of the east pillar of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom’s Great Hall. The pillars in interiors of ancient buildings were painted with a layer of red lacquer. The painted pillars are valuable because they symbolize the highest rank of a building’s hierarchy and the esteemed status of the owner. In this study, we investigated pigments, inorganic fillers, and adhesives used in the color paintings of the royal residence. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, polarized light microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to investigate the pigments of the paintings. Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) was used to classify the composition of adhesives. The results showed that the painted pigments included vermilion (HgS), graphite (C), white lead (2PbCO₃·Pb(OH)₂), and lead red (Pb₃O₄). The Py–GC/MS showed possible presence of tung oil and flour in the mortar. The X-ray diffraction demonstrated the presence of limewater and brick dust (gismondine, dolomite). The analyses of pigment, inorganic fillers, and adhesives of the Taiping royal palace paintings provide information on the long-standing preservation of the paintings.

Cangjie Temple was built to commemorate Cangjie, the legendary inventor of Chinese characters. It stands as one of the few remaining temples in China dedicated to the invention and creation of writing. In this study, the material properties of wooden paintings from the Cangjie temple were characterized using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Micro-confocal Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). It was confirmed that the pigments of the paintings included cinnabar, lapis lazuli, lead white, Paris green, and carbon black. The proteinaceous glue was used as an adhesive in the pigment samples, with tung oil likely being utilized as a primer for the wooden structures before painting. This study not only provides valuable data support for the conservation and restoration of the architectural features of Cangjie Temple but also provides useful reference for the maintenance and inheritance of similar ancient buildings.