Characterization and Identification of the lacquered gauze excavated from Lianying Han Tomb in China

For conservation and restoration purposes, the multi-analytical methods including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermally assisted hydrolysis-methylation pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (THM-Py-GC/MS) were applied to characterize and identify the lacquered gauze fragment excavated from Han Tomb M59 in Lianying village, Yangzhou city, Jiangsu Province, China, dated back to 127-154 BC. The results showed that the lacquered gauze was made from tough and breathable ramie fabric as the base material and then the fabrics surface was treated with raw lacquer. When lacquering the fabrics, the linseed oil was added to modify the raw lacquer, improving the flexibility and gloss of the lacquer film. This study provides a scientific basis for the reconstruction of the lacquered gauze unearthed from the Han Dynasty, and helps to further understand the production materials and techniques of ancient lacquered gauze.