On the AMS and EPR Studies of Chinese Cultural Objects

Abstract

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is a versatile tool in carbon‐14 dating. In the studies of Chinese paintings and calligraphic works on paper substrates, it is necessary to assess the period of preparation. The precision of AMS measurements has been proven to be reliable for estimation, In conformity with historical background of the art works, AMS can be adapted to assess the age, authenticity, artistic information and conservation requirements. The AMS measurement of Chinese ink rubbing on paper, after OxCal data treatment, gave a result of 1105 ± 30BP. During the course of artistic preparations the paper received extensive impact force which induced the formation of entrapped free radicals. Thus, EPR spectrometry was used to investigate the sample, as well as for a print with an age of 345 ± 40BP by AMS dating and a piece of blank paper from 17th century to find out the differences in free radical phenomena.