Journal Highlight: On-site Raman and XRF analysis of Japanese/Chinese bronze/brass patina – the search for specific Raman signatures

On-site Raman and XRF analysis of Japanese/Chinese bronze/brass patina – the search for specific Raman signatures

Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 2012, 43, 799-808
Philippe Colomban, Aurélie Tournié, Michel Maucuer, Philippe Meynard

Abstract: The assignment of Asian bronzes and brasses is difficult because the copies of ancient pieces have been made a long time ago in different countries. A selection of 30 Japanese and/or Chinese bronzes/brasses are studied on-site in the storage and exhibition rooms of the Cernuschi Museum, in Paris, using portable Raman and X-ray fluorescence spectrometers. Attempts are made to identify specific Raman signatures of the patina to detect similarity in a nondestructive procedure. X-ray fluorescence measurements allow an identification of two brass artefacts and different types of bronze, including lead-rich and mixed lead–tin–zinc-rich compositions. The following phases are identified: CuO, Cu₂O, Cu₂S, tin oxides, ZnO, Cu₃(OH)₄SO₄, Cu₄(OH)₆SO₄, 3PbOPbSO₄ H₂O, PbSO₄/PbO, Pb(AsO₄)₃Cl, HgO/HgS. Relics of the mould, retained as concretions at the artefact surface are also identified: TiO₂, SiO₂, and different soda(−lime) glasses. Patina with very similar colour and habit may have different Raman signatures. This study offers tools to classify the artefacts in a noninvasive way.

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