Dye Identification in Mounting Textiles of Traditional Korean Paintings from the Late Joseon Dynasty

In the framework of ‘Amorepacific Project for conservation Korean pictorial art’ (2018–2023) at British Museum, three traditional paintings have been investigated with aim supporting their and obtaining information about dyes used in mounting textiles other elements. The include a rare example late 18th-century portraiture (accession number 1996,0329,0.1); 19th-century two-panel screen silk painting Pyeongsaeng-do-Scenes life 2016,3028.1); twelve-panel representing Five Confucian virtues 1957,1214,0.1). were non-invasively by using digital microscopy fibre optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), results guided minimally invasive sampling campaign. Fourteen samples analysed high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled diode array tandem mass spectrometry detectors (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS), leading to identification natural indigo, sappanwood (Biancaea sappan, formerly Caesalpinia sappan), amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) elements portrait. These confirmed some non-invasive observations agreement production date painting. Both synthetic identified panel screens. Among dyes, fuchsin (C.I. 42510), methyl violet 3B 42536), blue 42780) benzopurpurin 4B 23500) identified. are early first synthesised between 1860s 1880s, suggesting that likely dyed last part 19th century.