Was Lacquer the Key Ingredient for Luxurious Jinyin Pingtuo Products in the Tang Dynasty of China (AD 618–907)?

Abstract

Jinyin pingtuo is one of the most sumptuous decorative methods applied on 'lacquered' objects described in Tang dynasty literatures. Two Tang dynasty objects, a silver bowl and a bronze mirror, in the British Museum collection said to be made by this technique, were scientifically examined to confirm the application of the technique. Although the metal décors levelled with the rest of the surfaces on these objects suggested the application of the pingtuo method, lacquer, a major ingredient of this technique, was not identified by Py (HMDS)-GC-MS in any of the four samples analysed. The results question the use of lacquer in the pingtuo technique as usually described. The detection of shellac and oil in the bronze mirror aligns with other studies on similar objects, whereas proteinaceous materials as main ingredient of the decorative layers of the silver bowl, appear less usual. Further comparative study by scientific analysis of similar objects in other museum collections or from excavations is required to help better understand the use of lacquer in ancient China.

Research on copper production of the Bohai Kingdom in Northeast China

“…It is not difficult to see the difference between the copper and bronze artefacts and to deduce that the delicate pure copper ones were imported, considering only polymetallic copper ore veins within the Bohai borders [23]. In LTS, most of these copper ornaments were buried with noble metal lacquer box (M13:160) and silver back bronze mirror (M13:168) together [8], which were considered from Tang Dynasty [24]. In addition, the pattern theme and emblazonry design on the copper, gold, and silver artefacts were similar to the ones on contemporaneous Tang style noble metal artefacts and high classes bronze mirrors (Fig.…”

Challenges in the data analysis of Asian lacquers from museum objects by pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

“…Provenance is often attributed based on art historical knowledge, and, even when it is officially recorded, debates and questions easily arise [4]. Given the popularity of lacquered objects, European craftsmen started imitating and paraphrasing them, using locally available materials and techniques to closely reproduce the glossy luxury of their Oriental equivalents [5].…”

“…Given the popularity of lacquered objects, European craftsmen started imitating and paraphrasing them, using locally available materials and techniques to closely reproduce the glossy luxury of their Oriental equivalents [5]. It is therefore extremely important to determine the chronology, manufacture origin or even authenticity of such objects to avoid misleading attributions [4].…”

Multiscale Shellac-Based Delivery Systems: From Macro- to Nanoscale

“…17,18 Initially, unbleached shellac, which also contains special pigments, was mainly used in silk dyeing and to coat artworks, metal devices, and military products owing to its good ductility, insulation, adhesion, and barrier properties. 19,20 Shellac has also been proven to be nontoxic and edible, as confirmed by its wide application as a food-grade coating and wax. 21,22 In recent decades, shellac has been used to develop delivery systems, 23,24 owing to its several advantages including recognized safety, colonic pH responsiveness, well film-forming properties, easy reactivity, special solubility, and amphiphilicity, which will be further described in detail later in this review.…”

“…Based on the different R and R′ groups, the cyclic terpene acid moiety in shellac can be divided into shellolic, jalaric, laccijalaric, laksholic, laccishellolic, and laccilaksholic acids . With more than 4000 years of practical history, shellac has been widely used in various fields, including metallurgy, dyeing, food, and medicine. , Initially, unbleached shellac, which also contains special pigments, was mainly used in silk dyeing and to coat artworks, metal devices, and military products owing to its good ductility, insulation, adhesion, and barrier properties. , Shellac has also been proven to be nontoxic and edible, as confirmed by its wide application as a food-grade coating and wax. , In recent decades, shellac has been used to develop delivery systems, , owing to its several advantages including recognized safety, colonic pH responsiveness, well film-forming properties, easy reactivity, special solubility, and amphiphilicity, which will be further described in detail later in this review.…”