Contribution to the Understanding of Mural Painting Techniques of Jinpari Tomb No. 4 of the Complex of Koguryo Tombs, World Heritage

A groundbreaking analysis of the mural paintings in Jinpari Tomb No. 4, part of the UNESCO-listed Complex of Koguryo Tombs, has revealed the precise materials and techniques used by ancient Koguryo artisans over 1,500 years ago. Researchers identified malachite as the green pigment through high copper content analysis, distinctive crystal structures, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, confirming its use in the paintings. The study further uncovered that the ground layer consisted of earthen materials rich in calcium, aluminum, silicon, potassium, magnesium, and iron, while the lime layer contained limestone-derived calcium carbonate. These findings, based on chemical composition and microstructural analysis, provide unprecedented insights into the sophisticated mural painting techniques employed during the Koguryo period.

Lee, H. S., & Han, K. S. (2023). Contribution to the Understanding of Mural Painting Techniques of Jinpari Tomb No. 4 of the Complex of Koguryo Tombs, World Heritage. Crystals, 13(3), 459. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13030459