Analytical pyrolysis as a fundamental technique for the identification-characterization of Asian lacquers in Cultural Heritage objects

Analytical pyrolysis in thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation mode, coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (THM-GC/MS) is currently considered the most suitable method for the chemical identification-characterization of Asian lacquers such as urushi (from China, Japan, and Korea), thitsi (from Thailand, Burma, and Cambodia), and laccol (from North Vietnam and Taiwan). Additionally, it permits the investigation of lacquer additives such as drying oils and natural resins. In this work the potential of analytical pyrolysis as a fundamental technique applied for the identification–characterization of Asian lacquers in some Cultural Heritage objects will be presented. Additionally, particular attention has been paid to the curing mechanism and light ageing process of the less investigated thitsi type of lacquer in comparison to urushi.