Analysis of Decorative Paintings in the Dragon and Tiger Hall of Yuzhen Palace: Culture, Materials, and Technology

Scientific analysis of the decorative paintings in the Dragon and Tiger Hall of Yuzhen Palace, Wudang Mountainsreveals they are among the rare surviving wooden painted structures from the early Ming dynasty (1412 AD). Using advanced techniques like optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy, researchers identified natural mineral pigments (azurite, malachite, vermilion, and hematite) consistent with official Xuanzi paintings of the period. The craftsmanship, applied directly to wood without a ground layer but with a thin tung oil-lime base, mirrors styles found in Taihe Palace's Golden Roof. This study provides critical data for the preservation and restoration of this culturally significant heritage site.

Zhu, Y., Qi, G., Guo, Y., & Wang, D. (2024). Analysis of Decorative Paintings in the Dragon and Tiger Hall of Yuzhen Palace: Culture, Materials, and Technology. Coatings, 14(8), 1022. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14081022