Multi-analytical characterization of Western Han wooden lacquerware from the Xiaotaoyuan Cemetery, Shandong, China

Abstract This study employs multiple analytical techniques—including wood species identification, digital microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, FTIR, and Py-GC/MS—to characterize three wooden lacquerware fragments from the Western Han dynasty Xiaotaoyuan cemetery in Shandong, China. Results reveal the coffin was made from Catalpa wood, while the box utilized Salix wood. Both objects share a layered structure comprising wooden substrate, mortar layer, ground layer, and red pigment layer. Notably, fibers identified within the box’s mortar layer confirm the use of the “ Xiazhu” lacquering technique. Both objects employed the “Wanqi” craft for mortar preparation, though with contrasting compositions: the coffin’s mortar contained carbon black and quartz-bearing clay, while the box’s additionally incorporated hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate. Both used cinnabar (HgS) as pigment. The lacquer medium was identified as Chinese lacquer (urushiol) blended with drying oils. This study illuminates the flexibility of ancient manufacturing and the distinct technical style of Han lacquerware in Shandong.