Identification of Coatings on Persian Lacquer Papier Mache Penboxes by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Luminescence Imaging

In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and luminescence imaging were used to identify the coatings of seven Persian lacquer papier mache penboxes, which two contemporary, one was from Pahlavi era, four belonged Qajar era. First, FTIR nature coating. Then, UV-induced visible at spectral ranges 420–680 nm (UVL), 425–495 (UVIBL), 615–645 (UVIRL) performed for further examination. The results showed that made alkyd resin, oil-resin varnish (Kaman oil), shellac. images, synthetic resin no fluorescence, it distinguishable natural organic coatings. While is slightly challenging differentiate Kaman oil shellac based on results, these can be easily distinguished by their fluorescence in UVL UVIBL images. suggest combined use methods provide substantial information about historical objects.