Analysis of Two Different Inks and Application Techniques on Palm Leaf Manuscripts Through Non-Invasive Analysis-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Analysis of Two Different Inks and Application Techniques on Palm Leaf Manuscripts Through Non-Invasive Analysis

Published:2023-12-04 Issue:0 Volume:0 Page:
ISSN:0034-5806
Container-title:Restaurator. International Journal for the Preservation of Library and Archival Material
language:en
Short-container-title:

Author:

Yu Chen¹,Zhang Meifang¹,Song Xin²

Affiliation:

1. School of Information Resources Management , Renmin University of China , No. 59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District , 100872 Beijing , China

2. College of Applied Arts and Science of Beijing Union University, No. 197, Beitucheng West Road, Haidian District , 100191 Beijing , China

Abstract

Abstract Influenced by the spreading route of Buddhism, palm leaf manuscripts in China are mostly distributed in Yunnan province and Tibet. The ink of palm leaf manuscripts from Yunnan province is left in the incisions, while the ink of palm leaf manuscripts from Tibet is written on the surface. The two inks have different compositions and application techniques, which may lead to varying degrees of flaking and ink loss. Application technique and ink composition are crucial for conservation measures. In this study, non-destructive analysis techniques including a portable digital microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were undertaken to analyse the characteristics and preservation condition of inks applied with different techniques on palm leaf manuscripts. Morphologies indicated that the interaction of ink and support influence the type and extent of ink loss. FTIR and XRF results showed significant differences in ink composition between incised palm leaf manuscripts from Yunnan and surface-written manuscripts from Tibet. Manuscripts from different periods within the same region exhibited similarities in ink composition. This paper significantly contributes to understanding properties of inks, offering an essential reference for ink consolidation.

Funder

The National Key R&D Program of China

Publisher

Walter de Gruyter GmbH

Subject

General Materials Science,Media Technology,Conservation

Link

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/res-2023-0018/pdf

Reference29 articles.

1. Bhoi, Panchanan. 2010. “Scribe as Metaphor: Patterns of Processing and Writing Palm Leaf Manuscripts.” Indian Anthropologist 40: 71–92.

2. Bronk, H., S. Röhrs, A. Bjeoumikhov, N. Langhoff, J. Schmalz, R. Wedell, H.-E. Gorny, A. Herold, and U. Waldschläger. 2014. “ArtTAX – A New Mobile Spectrometer for Energy-Dispersive Micro X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry on Art and Archaeological Objects.” Fresenius’ Journal of Analytical Chemistry 371: 307–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s002160100989.

3. Ferrer, Núria, and M. Carme Sistach. 2005. “Characterisation by FTIR Spectroscopy of Ink Components in Ancient Manuscripts.” Restaurator. International Journal for the Preservation of Library and Archival Material 26 (2): 105–17.

4. Geach, Alistair. 1996. “Infrared Analysis as a Tool for Assessing Degradation in Used Engine Lubricants.” Wearcheck Technical Bulletin 2.

5. Glos, Josef, and Vojtěch Kumbár. 2014. “Monitoring of Chemical Elements of Engine Oil.” Intelligent Technologies in Logistics and Mechatronics Systems, Kaunas Lithuania: 155–9. https://doi.org/10.11118/actaun201462010155.