Identification of pigments used in a Qajar manuscript from Iran by using atomic and molecular spectroscopy and technical photography methods

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify pigments used in writing and decorating a Qur'an manuscript related to the early years of the Qajar era, a royal dynasty ruling over Iran from 1789 to 1925. The pigments were analysed using µ-XRF, SEM–EDS, Raman, and FTIR spectroscopy. Also, various technical photography methods were used to study the pigments including visible-reflected (VIS), infrared photography (IR), ultraviolet-reflected (UVR), and ultraviolet-induced visible luminescence (UVL) along with infrared false color (IRFC) and ultraviolet false color (UVFC) methods. Carbon black, red lead, and indigo were identified as black ink, orange, and blue pigments, respectively. A mixture of red lead and vermilion was also detected in the red/orange ink. White lead and calcite were also used as additives in blue color. A cochineal-based pigment was also used as red ink in some parts of the manuscript. However, the evaluation of golden color showed two types pigments of gold and brass alloys in different parts of the manuscript. Copper carboxylate was identified as the product of the destruction of this pigment. According to the results of the study, technical photography methods along with spectroscopic methods are a good tool to examine manuscripts and identify included pigments and reduce the amount of possible error and the need for destructive sampling.