Archaeometric Study of Red Lime Plaster in Ming Dynasty Wudang Mountain Architecture: Composition, Technology, and Symbolism

An archaeometric analysis of Ming Dynasty red lime plaster from Wudang Mountain's Wulong Palace and Laojun Hall reveals a two-layered construction technique, where the outer layer combines red earth, ochre, and magnesium lime for aesthetic and symbolic purposes—reflecting aristocratic privilege and reverence for vermilion—while the inner layer primarily supports structural adhesion. The study also identifies fiber reinforcement in both layers, with higher fiber content in the outer layer, showcasing advanced craftsmanship. Using XRF, XRD, TG-DSC, IR, and PLM, researchers analyzed mineral composition, lime types, organic additives, and fibers, providing insights for preservation efforts and deepening understanding of ancient Chinese architectural color symbolism.

Wei, G., Huang, X., Kang, Y., Wang, H., & Fan, Y. (2025). Archaeometric Study of Red Lime Plaster in Ming Dynasty Wudang Mountain Architecture: Composition, Technology, and Symbolism. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 19(12), 3550–3563. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2025.2509896