Scientific analysis of the lacquer lian of the Western Han Dynasty from Fengpengling site, Hunan

The round lacquer lian of fabric core excavated from the Fengpengling site (Hunan, China) as one of the typical lacquerwares with gold and silver decoration was analyzed by digital microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, and Py-GC/MS to obtain the detailed information of the manufacturing process. The results revealed six layers in the lacquer sample, carbon black found on the gold piece, silver sulfide on the silver piece, and cinnabar in the red lacquer layer. It can be inferred that animal bones were used as filling material in the lacquer ash with carbon and quartz by the detection of hydroxyapatite. Tung oils, lacquer, and egg whites were used as binders. The study is significant for the manufacturing craft of lacquer lian with gold and silver decoration in the Han Dynasty of China and the protection in the future.