Point and two-dimensional mapping analyses of the paintings in nara-ehon “taketori monogatari” by an x-ray analytical microscope

Abstract

For the four paintings in the first volume of the Nara-ehon “Taketori Monogatari”, made in the early Edo period (1661-1681), point and two-dimensional analyses were carried out with an X-ray analytical microscope at room temperature under atmospheric conditions. The fluorescent X-ray spectrum of the washi used confirmed the presence of small amounts of Si, P, S and K, and it was very similar to that of a Torinoko-gami that was quite expensive but common in Japan of the Edo era. By point analyses of the four paintings, various pigments, such as vermillion (HgS), minium (Pb3O4), marachite (Cu2CO3(OH)2), azurite (Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2), chalk (CaCO3), gold and silver, were found to be used. The point analyses were performed on the eight gray-blue areas in the four paintings. In all parts Co was detected together with Si, Fe and As. These results suggest that a cobalt ore with a high probability of smalt was selected for coloring gray-blue. There are three types of blue colorants in the fourth painting: azurite, indigo as a dye and the cobalt ore. It was confirmed that the production period of the Nara-ehon “Taketori Monogatari” was in the early Edo period consistent with its appraisal.