Analysis of Japanese Jōmon lacquer-ware by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Japanese Jōmon period lacquer-ware objects were analyzed using a digital optical microscope and pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Comparison with standard lacquer films showed that all the objects were coated with sap tapped from Rhus vernicifera lacquer trees. Red iron oxide was used as a red pigment. Natural resin found in the lacquer pieces suggested that during the development of Japanese Jōmon lacquer-ware, lacquer workers used local lacquer resources to produce lacquer, and learned to use natural resin in the restoration and protection of the lacquer-ware objects. In addition, the production and technology of Jōmon lacquer-ware are also discussed.