Multiscale materials characterisation as a function of processing methods for novel and ancient writing surfaces
2022–2025
RFA18
Palm leaves were widely used from early times all along the hot climate zones as writing surface. Silk, cotton, and linen, though primarily used for clothing, also became established writing and painting materials since early times. Unlike birchbark or palm leaf supports, which could only be manufactured in areas with certain plant species, paper could be produced wherever plants suitable for its production were found.
This project analyses the characteristics and properties of various writing surfaces such as a palm-leaf, birch bark, wooden slips, silk, and paper in manuscripts, with particular emphasis on the interaction between the ink and these writing surfaces. First, depending on availability, we intend to compare manuscripts from palmyra, talipot, nypah, and gebang palms and their wooden covers by using various microscopic and chemical methods. Then, we focus on birch bark, silk, and selected paper samples from China, Tibet, Nepal, Laos, and Thailand. Second, deterioration and preservation treatment of the manuscripts will be analysed. We will apply the following methods:
- Light microscopy will characterise the typical anatomical structure of a leaf blade and will show differences in thickness and shape between palm species, as well as the structural organisation of various cell types within leaves.
- Electron microscopy is an appropriate method to study leaf surfaces (SEM) and cell contents (TEM) and can answer, for example, the question of whether differences in leaf surface might be the reason for differences in writing techniques
- Chemical analysis (ICP, EDXA) will provide information on the treatment of leaf blades with preservatives while radiocarbon dating will help to determine the age of manuscripts as well as wooden covers.
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) will provided information on the surface topography and mechanical properties of the materials as a function of preparation and conservation methods. Also, the interaction of the materials with inks in terms of the writing process will be scrutinised by wetting experiments.
In the talipot manuscripts from Northern India, Central Asia, and Nepal, characters were written in ink using a reed pen. In South India and Southeast Asia, letters were usually incised on the surface with special tools before ink composed of soot mixed with oil or animal glue was rubbed into the etched line and then wiped away, leaving only the inked writing. Both techniques were also used on wooden slips, contrary to a bark on which text was written with bamboo or reed pen. On various types of paper, a bamboo or reed pen cut in a specific way or with a specific brush was used depending on paper properties.
Understanding the differences in basic physical and chemical properties of above-mentioned writing surfaces and its interaction with inks may help to understand the historical sequence of various material techniques and technologies in particular geographical locations.
People
Principal Investigator: Patrick Huber
Research Associate: Laura Gallardo Dominguez