Analysis of Pigments Unearthed from the Yungang Grottoes Archaeological Excavations

A comprehensive analysis of pigments unearthed from the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Buddhist sculpture, reveals distinct pigment compositions across three historical periods: Northern Wei (5th–6th centuries AD), Liao-Jin, and Ming-Qing dynasties. The study identified hematite, vermilion, goethite, malachite, calcium carbonate, lead white, and ivory black in Northern Wei samples, while Liao-Jin samples contained primarily hematite. Ming-Qing pigments included vermilion, minium, atacamite, lead white, and Prussian blue. Using advanced techniques such as portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and confocal Raman microscopy, researchers provided unprecedented insights into the material culture of these grottoes, shedding light on their artistic evolution over centuries.

Fan, X., Cui, J., Wang, S., Tai, L., Guo, J., & Yan, H. (2024). Analysis of Pigments Unearthed from the Yungang Grottoes Archaeological Excavations. Minerals, 14(3), 221. https://doi.org/10.3390/min14030221