Study of historical Chinese lacquer culture and technology – Analysis of Chinese Qin-Han dynasty lacquerware

Abstract A Chinese Qin-Han dynasty lacquerware was analyzed by cross-section, field emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), strontium isotope ratios ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr), carbon-14 age determination, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The carbon-14 analysis results showed that the wood base was from a Zelkova schneideriana tree grown in the Yangtze River area about 2300 years ago, and the film was sap collected from lacquer tree about 2200–2250 years ago. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr isotope ratio was 0.71146 consistent with that of the Chinese mainland (> 0.71). Pyrolysis GC–MS detected 3-heptylphenol and 3-pentadecylphenol in the mass chromatograms at m/z = 108, and palmitic acid and stearic acid were detected at m/z = 60, suggesting that the sap collected from Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree and that many additives had been added. The cross-section and EDX revealed the coating technique and pigment species of lacquerware. Based on these results, the Chinese Qin-Han Dynasty lacquer culture is discussed.