Research on Traditional Craftsmanship of ‘Shengfanhong’

‘Fanhong’ (Iron Oxide Red) pigment is an overglaze colorant fired at approximately 800°C, primarily using PbO as a flux and Fe₂O₃ crystalline phases as the chromophore. Its coloration varied significantly across different historical periods in China, and even within the same era, a phenomenon intricately linked to the complexity of ‘Shengfanhong’ (calcined iron vitriol) production techniques. Historical texts such as TiangongKaiwu document the preparation of ‘Shengfanhong’, but these records remain largely descriptive, lacking technical specificity and scientific explanations of underlying principles. This study employs experimental archaeology combined with Differential Scanning Calorimetry-Thermogravimetry (DSC-TG), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Colorimetric analysis, and particle size testing to scientifically decode the "tacit knowledge" embedded in the traditional craftsmanship of ‘Shengfanhong’ production.