Pigment Analysis On Tang Dynasty Murals at The Mogao Grottes
Dublin Core
Title
Pigment Analysis On Tang Dynasty Murals at The Mogao Grottes
Subject
Material Composition
Pigment Analysis
Dunhuang Murals
Mineral Materials
Description
This pigment analysis report by Li, Zuixiong (2002), investigates the mineral materials used in Tang Dynasty murals at Dunhuang's Mogao Grottoes. Using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the study identifies red lead (Pb₃O₄), cinnabar (HgS), azurite (Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂), malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂), and lapis lazuli among the major pigments. It discusses how natural mineral pigments were widely used in early Tang murals, notes their degradation over time, and emphasizes the impact of environmental factors such as temperature and humidity on pigment stability. The research highlights the scientific basis needed for mural preservation.
Creator
Li, Zuixiong
Source
Li, Z. (2002). Pigment Analysis On Tang Dynasty Murals at The Mogao Grottes. Dunhuang Research. 2002(4):11-18
Publisher
Dunhuang Research
Date
2002
Contributor
Li, Zuixiong
Rights
Image used under educational fair use
Format
PDF file
Language
Chinese
Type
Text
Text Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Academic journal
Collection
Citation
Li, Zuixiong, “Pigment Analysis On Tang Dynasty Murals at The Mogao Grottes,” Omeka, accessed June 10, 2026, https://omeka.ischool.utoronto.ca/items/show/404.