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Pigment Analysis of Palm Leaf Manuscripts of India


Affiliations
1 National Museum Institute, Department of Conservation, Janpath, New Delhi 110 011, India
2 Institute of Conservation, University of Applied Arts Vienna, Australia
3 Department of Culture, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695 033, India
 

The Primary Aim Of This Study Is To Scientifically Examine Major Pigments And Binders Used In Indian Palm Leaf Manuscripts. The Colours In Four Painted Palm Leaf Manuscripts (18th–19th Century Ce) Were Observed Using A Digital Microscope And Sem-edx. Analytical Studies Showed That The Colours Were Prepared Using Traditional Indian Techniques By Mixing Primary Pigments Like Black, Red, White, Yellow, Blue And Green With Locally Available Gum Or Adhesive. The Prominent Appearance Of Black Or Brown Stains, Discolouration And Insect Activity Were The Major Causes For Making The Leaves Brittle And Unstable. The Identification Of Pigments Also Provided Rich Source Of Information About The Composition And Development Of Painting Traditions On Palm Leaf In India`s Southern And Eastern Parts. Laboratory Studies Also Revealed The Use Of Mineral As Colourant For Indian Palm Leaf Illustrations.

Keywords

Binders, Palm Leaf Manuscripts, Painting Traditions, Pigments.
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Abstract Views: 471

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  • Pigment Analysis of Palm Leaf Manuscripts of India

Abstract Views: 471  |  PDF Views: 113

Authors

Deepakshi Sharma
National Museum Institute, Department of Conservation, Janpath, New Delhi 110 011, India
Manager Singh
National Museum Institute, Department of Conservation, Janpath, New Delhi 110 011, India
Gabriela Krist
Institute of Conservation, University of Applied Arts Vienna, Australia
M. Velayudhan Nair
Department of Culture, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695 033, India

Abstract


The Primary Aim Of This Study Is To Scientifically Examine Major Pigments And Binders Used In Indian Palm Leaf Manuscripts. The Colours In Four Painted Palm Leaf Manuscripts (18th–19th Century Ce) Were Observed Using A Digital Microscope And Sem-edx. Analytical Studies Showed That The Colours Were Prepared Using Traditional Indian Techniques By Mixing Primary Pigments Like Black, Red, White, Yellow, Blue And Green With Locally Available Gum Or Adhesive. The Prominent Appearance Of Black Or Brown Stains, Discolouration And Insect Activity Were The Major Causes For Making The Leaves Brittle And Unstable. The Identification Of Pigments Also Provided Rich Source Of Information About The Composition And Development Of Painting Traditions On Palm Leaf In India`s Southern And Eastern Parts. Laboratory Studies Also Revealed The Use Of Mineral As Colourant For Indian Palm Leaf Illustrations.

Keywords


Binders, Palm Leaf Manuscripts, Painting Traditions, Pigments.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv118%2Fi2%2F285-292