• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.247-258
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• 2010

We conducted optical microscopy, infra-red spectroscopy and SEM-EDS analysis of the lacquer layers on the wooden coffins excavated from King Muryeong's Tomb. We found four varnishing methods according to the sub-materials of lacquer layers: The lacquer of wooden coffins with black paint layer on the surface were classified with two groups; single layer and three layers. The lacquer of wooden coffins without black paint layer on the surface were classified with two groups; single layer and two layers. IR spectra of the laquer were same as those of the oriental laquer. The SEM-EDS analysis showed that the lacquer layers were mixed with iron, copper and calcium.