Analysis of Japanese ancient lacquerwares excavated from Jōmon period ruins

• Published in: Journal of analytical and applied pyrolysis Vol. 113; pp. 73 - 77
• Main Authors: Yuasa, Kenta, Honda, Takayuki, Lu, Rong, Hachiya, Takayuki, Miyakoshi, Tetsuo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.2015
• Subjects: Jōmon; Lacquer-ware; Pyrolysis; Relics; Pyrolysis; Jōmon; Lacquer-ware; Relics
• ISSN: 0165-2370; 1873-250X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaap.2014.10.018

•Lacquer species of Japanese Jōmon period lacquerwares were identified by Py–GC/MS.•Dry oil was found to be used to increase luster and elasticity of lacquer film.•Use cross-section and ED-XRF methods to analyze ancient lacquerwares layer structure.•Revealed lacquer techniques of ancient lacquerwares due to different red color of cinnabar and iron oxide. Lacquer samples from two different periods the Japanese Jōmon age were analyzed by Py–GC/MS, cross-section, ATR-FT/IR, ED-XRF, and SEM. The cross-section observed found seven layers coating in earring sample but only two layers in painted pottery sample. Py–GC/MS results showed that both samples coated with lacquer sap tapped from Toxicodendron vernicifluum lacquer tree. Dry oil also was found in both samples, and it is considered to have been used to increase luster and elasticity of lacquer film. Pigment contained in lacquer films were analyzed by ED-XRF and SEM measurements. Cinnabar (HgS) and pipe-type iron oxide (Fe2O3) were detected in the red parts of the earring and painted pottery, respectively, showing the use of different type of red pigments at different time even in the same site.