A research group such as the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, in response to the fact that the mural painting of the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, which has been discovered for exactly 50 years, uses a mysterious paint whose composition was unknown by the analysis so far. Will conduct a survey using a new method next year.
Inside the stone chamber of the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus, which was built during the Asuka period from the end of the 7th century to the beginning of the 8th century, colorful mural paintings such as the four gods of the guardian deities of the direction and a group of people known as "Asuka Bijin" are drawn. ..
We knew from previous surveys that pigments such as red "red" and green "patina" were used, but it is clear what was used in the yellow and red that colored the costumes of people. There was also a mysterious paint left behind.
In addition, there is a study showing the possibility that a jewel from Afghanistan, a pigment made by crushing lapis lazuli, was used in the blue-looking part such as a person or the "blue dragon" drawn on the eastern wall. The group will conduct a survey next year with a newly developed small "X-ray diffraction analyzer" that can identify substances.
Regarding this, the Agency for Cultural Affairs states that "the mystery of mural paintings that was unknown until now will be investigated."