Analysis of Material Properties of Wallpaper and Blue-dyed Paper Used for Banja Ceiling at Main Hall of Jongmyo Shrine

Researchers have identified the use of natural indigo, specifically 'Jjok', as the blue dye on wallpaper and ceiling paper at Jongmyo Shrine's Jeongjeon Hall during the Joseon Dynasty. The study analyzed 24 specimens from four chambers, revealing that the paper was made from bast fiber with consistent physical properties: basis weight of 65.4 g/m², thickness of 0.1523 mm, and density of 0.4428 g/cm³. Additionally, a lotus flower pattern and swastika design were discovered during layer separation. The blue dye was confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy and gas chromatography (GC), providing new insights into the material culture and craftsmanship of the period.

Kim, J. W., & Jeong, S. H. (2024). Analysis of Material Properties of Wallpaper and Blue-dyed Paper Used for Banja Ceiling at Main Hall of Jongmyo Shrine. Journal of Conservation Science, 40(1), 48–59. https://doi.org/10.12654/jcs.2024.40.1.04