Chromatographic, Microscopic, and Spectroscopic Characterization of a Wooden Architectural Painting from the Summer Palace, Beijing, China

A comprehensive analysis of wooden architectural paintings from the Summer Palace in Beijing reveals the use of blood as a binding medium and identifies emerald green and ultramarine pigments. The study employed advanced techniques, including scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and morphological microscopy, to systematically characterize the morphology and material composition of these ancient decorative artworks. These findings provide crucial insights into the preparation techniques used in the renowned Summer Palace, offering a scientific basis for restoration efforts and archaeological research.

Ma, Z., Wang, L., Yan, J., Zhou, W., Pitthard, V., Bayerova, T., & Krist, G. (2019). Chromatographic, Microscopic, and Spectroscopic Characterization of a Wooden Architectural Painting from the Summer Palace, Beijing, China. Analytical Letters, 52(10), 1670–1680. https://doi.org/10.1080/00032719.2018.1561707