The Art Institute holds an outstanding collection of ancient jades with approximately 800 pieces, dating from the 3rd millennium BC to the 3rd century AD. This project focuses on the characterization of major mineral and trace element compositions of jades, study of surface morphology as well as surface alteration, and investigation into lapidary practices.

The scientific evidence gathered in a predominantly non-invasive way is most useful when coupled with art-historical considerations of form and style, as well as other technical information on tool marks. The findings are important for scholarly study and also to answer questions of provenance and authentication.

The study involves in-situ X-ray techniques (XRD, EDX, XRF), Raman microprobe analysis and reflection-FTIR microspectroscopy of selected objects, with the aim of mapping the different minerals present on the surface. Analysis of inclusions present in the minerals, as well as surface analysis of deposits, deterioration products or artificial coloration is also being pursued, to provide a means to classify the various objects. Trace element identification with the aid of non-destructive XRF analysis is being carried out, to allow the grouping of different artifacts based both on major mineral composition and trace elements found. ESEM analysis of tool marks has potential to provide insights into lapidary practices. Enhanced 3D images of the objects showing tool marks are created from the ESEM images to provide an unprecedented opportunity for scholarly study and public appreciation of the objects.

Project Participants:

At AIC :
· Francesca Casadio, (A.W. Mellon Conservation Scientist, PI)
· Jay Xu, (Pritzker Curator of Asian Art)
· Elinor Pearlstein, (Associate Curator of Chinese Art)
· Barbara Hall, (Senior Conservator of Objects)
· Suzie Schnepp, (Associate Conservator of Objects)

At NU :
· Katherine T. Faber, (Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, PI)
· Ariel Knowles (undergraduate student, Northwestern University)
· Susie James (undergraduate student, Northwestern University)
· Jason Branden (undergraduate student, Northwestern University)

Outside Consultant
· Janet G. Douglas (Conservation Scientist, Department of Conservation and Scientific Research, Freer Gallery of Art/ Arthur M. Sackler Gallery)

See selected publications originating from this project

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