Characterization of archaeological lime mortars in a Ming dynasty tomb: A multi‐analytical approach

Abstract

Lime mortars have played an important role in constructing ancient Chinese masonry structures, including city walls, buildings, and tombs. A tomb built with lime mortars and stones belonging a Ming high-ranking official, Xu Jie, was discovered in Huzhou City of China. Eight different samples from Xu Jie's tomb, representing four types of lime-mortar-based materials: joint mortar between stone bricks, bedding mortar, grouting mortar, and plaster mortars were collected for analysis and comparison. The characterization of the construction materials has therefore become of primary importance. The function of each mortar was reported and studies into the micro-textural features and mineralogical compositions of those mortars were performed via a multi-analytical approach. The joint mortars were all found to be aerial lime mortars with predominately lime. The bedding mortar was found to consist of lime, soil and sand, typical of a tabia mortar. The grouting mortar was found to consist of lime and ground contact metamorphosed limestone. Analysis of plaster sample taken from the roof of the main tomb identified the presence of calcium stearate/palmitate, indicating the usage of plant-based tung oil as an additive. The analytical results will promote our understanding of Ming architectural technology and craftsmanship, and provide critical information for the conservation of Xu Jie's tomb.

Study on Carbonation of Porcine Blood Hydrogel in the Composite Mortar of Ancient Chinese Architectural Painting

“…Due to the presence of organic matter, Gels 2024, 10, 191 2 of 17 the shortcomings regarding the water resistance and strength of lime mortars are effectively improved. The many advantages of organic-inorganic composite mortars have led to their widespread use in various applications, including indoor murals [5,6], tomb chamber murals [7], and wooden ships [8].…”

“…The earliest organic–inorganic composite building mortar was discovered in China and dates to 2300 BCE [ 9 ]. It has been shown that ancient traditional lime-based binders contained organic additives such as glutinous rice [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], tung oil [ 7 , 14 , 15 ], blood [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], egg white [ 20 , 21 ], sugar [ 20 ], gelatin [ 6 , 9 ], and peach gum [ 2 ]. Similarly, these lime-based mortars also emerged in other countries around the world.…”

Characterisation of Czech Modern Mosaic Mortars

“…They are easily soluble in water. Organisms such as bacteria and fungi can also produce water-insoluble biogenic calcium oxalates which were identified in historic lime mortars [53], [54] and other works of arts [55].…”