Analysis of Organic Residues in White Porcelain Lidded Bowls Excavated from Yeonghuijeon Hall in Seoul |
Soyeong Soyeong |
Conservation Science Division, National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Daejeon 34122, Korea |
Correspondence:
Soyeong Soyeong, Tel: +82-42-860-9089, Email: soyeong.kang@korea.kr |
Received: 22 November 2024 • Revised: 28 November 2024 • Accepted: 29 November 2024 |
ABSTRACT |
As part of an additional excavation at Yeonghuijeon Hall site in Seoul, black organic residues were discovered inside four white porcelain lidded bowls (baekja hap) excavated near the wall adjacent to the Jeongjeon area. This study analyzed these residues to determine the composition of artifacts deposited in the jindangu (protective ritual deposit) at the time of burial. A surface microanalysis showed that the residues were characterized by multilayered plate-like structures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that these structures were composed of single fibers. No characteristics of animal-based fibers were observed, and the diameter and intertwining patterns of the fibers showed that these were plant-based fibers that had been processed into thin sheets. The residues from Porcelain Bowl 2 exhibited a diversity of materials compared to the other samples. Fiber twisting and diameter analysis identified features that were consistent with both plant-based and animal-based fibers, whereas surface swelling marks suggested the combustion of animal fibers. In addition, thin metallic layers with a golden sheen were observed and analyzed using SEM with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), which confirmed the presence of gold (Au). These findings indicate that the white porcelain lidded bowl contained paper materials together with silk or cotton textiles and small amounts of gold leaf. This study contributed to understanding the use and characteristics of the jindangu in ritual practices during the Joseon era by scientifically analyzing their purpose and the materials deposited within them. |
Key Words:
Joseon era, Organic materials, White porcelain lidded bowl (baekja hap), Jindangu (protective ritual deposit), Charred residues |
|