Museums, Historical Sites and Similar Institutions

Swords are made from different materials in different eras in different countries. From an archaeological point of view, elemental analysis provides hints of the origin and the production date of a sword. It also provides hints to identify whether it’s imitation or real.

Identification of pigments is important in the archaeological and art research fields. Some pigments were used during specific times and then were no longer used in later times. Therefore, we can estimate the period when artwork was created through identification of the pigments. Micro-XRF is an effective pre-screening analytical technique to narrow down the candidates of multiple pigments used on a painting, thanks to its non-destructive approach and imaging capability.

This application note introduces pigment identification using micro-XRF and Raman microscopy on a Japanese flag “Hinomaru”, which is presumed to be the oldest and designed by an ancient Japanese Emperor Go-Daigo. The two spectroscopic analyses identified that the red pigment used on the flag matched the cinnabar ore (Mercury(II) sulfide) mined from the Mine near the place where the Emperor lived.

Spectroscopic analysis can reveal the origin of cultural heritages and the historical background at the time. This application note introduces research of a dragonfly eye bead found in a tomb in China. Using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray analytical microscopy, the bead was found to be from the Eastern Mediterranean region and the result suggested China had cultural and economic exchanges with them during that era.

Pigments used in an ancient Nepalese manuscript have been analysed and assigned and an ancient glass burial ornament has been probed to identify the specific colouring additives used.

New aqueous cleaning system for acrylic paint films on paper supports has been developed. Isotonic aqueous cleaning solutions that match the pH and conductivity readings of acrylic paint films and paper supports obtained from agarose gel pellets have been shown to be effective in reducing or removing dirt, dust, active mold growth and associated stains, tide line stains, and discoloration.

Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semiprecious stone which contains inclusions that can impact its value. Pyrite impurities and major elements distribution are studied with the XGT-9000, HORIBA’s new X-ray microscope.