Guangzhou Tongcao painting in late China Qing Dynasty（1840—1912 AD): technology revealed by Analytical Approaches

Abstract Guangzhou Tongcao painting of China late Qing Dynasty witnessed the exchange of economy, culture, art and technology between China and foreign countries, which was an important exported product in the ancient China. In this paper, by using stereo microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope attached Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and micro Raman Spectroscope, a Qing Dynasty Tongcao painting with the subject of family life of an official's female relative was analyzed. Our study revealed that: 1) the hexagonal cell morphology could be easily observed in the Tongcao pith which could contain much more pigment and increase the stereo sense of painting, and the cell of the ancient Tongcao pith had started to degrade, which indicated an urgent requirement on conservation of the tongcao painting; 2) alum was applied as the fixing agent in the preparation of pigments and the painting process; 3) both the China domestic pigments including red lead, calcite, lead white, carbon black and gamboge, and the synthetic pigments imported from Europe ( artificial ultramarine, Prussian blue and emerald green) was applied in the painting, which reflected the bi-directional communication of culture and technology between China and the western world.