Organic Matter and Pigments in the Wall Paintings of Me-Taw-Ya Temple in Bagan Valley, Myanmar

A study of the wall paintings at Me-Taw-Ya Temple in Bagan, Myanmar, reveals the use of proteinaceous glue and plant-derived gums as binders, confirming the a secco technique. Non-invasive and micro-invasive analytical methods identified pigments including Fe-based compounds, vermillion, carbon black, and As-compounds, providing insights into the materials used in 12th to 13th century murals. This research contributes to understanding the conservation of ancient wall paintings, particularly following the 2016 earthquake that damaged numerous historical structures in Bagan.

Amadori, M. L., Mengacci, V., Vagnini, M., Casoli, A., Holakooei, P., Eftekhari, N., Lin, K., Maekawa, Y., & Germinario, G. (2021). Organic Matter and Pigments in the Wall Paintings of Me-Taw-Ya Temple in Bagan Valley, Myanmar. Applied Sciences, 11(23), 11441. https://doi.org/10.3390/app112311441