看不见的纹饰，辨不清的颜料？高光谱成像无损检测彩绘文物

Invisible Patterns, Indiscernible Pigments? Non-Destructive Detection of Painted Cultural Relics Using Hyperspectral Imaging

高光谱成像技术在彩绘文物的检测中具有广泛的应用，它是一种非破坏性的分析方法，可以提供文物表面详细的光谱信息，从而帮助研究人员和保护人员识别颜料、评估文物的保存状况并支持修复工作。

Hyperspectral imaging technology has extensive applications in the examination of painted cultural relics. As a non-destructive analytical method, it provides detailed spectral information about the surface of artifacts, enabling researchers and conservators to identify pigments, assess preservation conditions, and support restoration efforts.

「颜料识别 / Pigment Identification」

高光谱成像可以用于识别彩绘文物中使用的各种颜料。不同的颜料具有的光谱吸收和反射特性，通过建立颜料光谱数据库，可以将文物表面的光谱数据与数据库中的标准光谱进行匹配，从而确定颜料的种类。这种方法尤其适用于那些肉眼难以区分的相似颜料的鉴定。

例如，一个课题组利用高光谱成像技术分析佛教洞穴绘画的颜料成分，为文物的保护和修复提供科学依据。该研究系统建立了包含24种常见矿物颜料（涵盖红、白、黄、蓝、绿、黑等色系）的粉末状态高光谱反射光谱数据库。

为了更贴近实际绘画条件，数据库特别纳入了添加动物胶粘合剂（1:1比例）后的颜料光谱，因为研究发现胶粘合剂会显著改变光谱特征（如：可能导致原始吸收峰消失或产生新的吸收峰）。

Hyperspectral imaging can identify various pigments used in painted cultural relics. Different pigments exhibit unique spectral absorption and reflection characteristics. By establishing a pigment spectral database, the spectral data from artifact surfaces can be matched with standard spectra in the database to determine pigment types. This method is particularly useful for distinguishing visually similar pigments that are difficult to differentiate with the naked eye.

For example, one research team utilized hyperspectral imaging to analyze the pigment composition of Buddhist cave paintings, providing a scientific basis for artifact conservation and restoration. The study systematically established a hyperspectral reflectance database for 24 common mineral pigments (covering red, white, yellow, blue, green, black, and other color systems) in powdered form.

To better approximate actual painting conditions, the database specifically included spectra of pigments mixed with animal glue binder (1:1 ratio), as research showed that binders significantly alter spectral features (e.g., causing original absorption peaks to disappear or generating new ones).

颜料粉末与胶混合后，分别涂布在纸板和石材上

The powder and glue are mixed and applied to the cardboard and the stone.

粉末与粉末混合胶的对比：(a) 朱砂色；(b) 沙漠棕褐色；(c) 蓝花色；(d) 绿松石绿色

Spectral comparison of powder and powder mixed glue: (a) cinnabar; (b) desert tan color; (c) blue flower color; (d) turquoise green color.

「材料评估 / Material Evaluation」

高光谱成像可用于评估彩绘文物的材料构成。通过分析文物表面的光谱数据，可以识别出不同的材料，如颜料、粘合剂和保护涂层。这对于了解文物的制作工艺和材料来源具有重要意义。

一项针对斯洛文尼亚彩绘蜂巢木板画的研究，系统性地应用了不用波段的高光谱成像系统。这充分发挥了不同波段的优势：

VNIR提供高分辨率颜色分布，SWIR对有机黏合剂（如干性油）的化学基团（如酯羰基、亚甲基）振动特征敏感，其典型吸收峰在~1940nm和2300~2330nm区域，成功区分了视觉颜色相似但化学成分不同的区域。

Hyperspectral imaging can assess the material composition of painted cultural relics. By analyzing surface spectral data, different materials such as pigments, binders, and protective coatings can be identified. This is crucial for understanding the craftsmanship and material origins of artifacts.

A study on Slovenian painted beehive panels systematically employed hyperspectral imaging systems across different spectral bands, leveraging the advantages of each:

VNIR provided high-resolution color distribution. SWIR was sensitive to vibrational characteristics of chemical groups (e.g., ester carbonyl, methylene) in organic binders like drying oils, with typical absorption peaks at ~1940 nm and 2300–2330 nm, successfully distinguishing areas with similar visual colors but different chemical compositions.

主成分分析(PCA)结果，左：可见近红外(VNIR，400-1000nm)波段，中：近红外(NIR，900-1700nm)波段，右：短波红外(SWIR，900-2500nm)波段

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results: left: Visible and Near-Infrared (VNIR, 400-1000 nm) band; center:  Near-Infrared (NIR, 900-1700 nm) band; right: Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR, 900-2500 nm) band.

「绘制图案分析 / Pattern Analysis」

高光谱成像技术可以用于分析彩绘文物的绘制图案。通过对高光谱图像进行处理，如主成分图像选择、移动最小二乘法（MLS）和图像融合等方法，可以提取彩绘文物上的绘制图案，发现肉眼难以观察到的隐藏信息，这种方法对于研究古代绘画技巧和文化具有重要意义。

例如，针对秦陵二号铜车马表面严重受损的"夔(Kuí)龙纹"（存在颜料脱落、铜锈覆盖和变色三类损伤），研究采用近红外高光谱成像（900-1700nm）技术。通过分析发现，1450nm附近是颜料边缘的显著吸收谷，在此波段下拍摄的高光谱图像能清晰显示肉眼不可见的纹饰边缘，显著克服了铜锈覆盖和颜料脱落的干扰。

Hyperspectral imaging can analyze painted patterns on cultural relics. Through processing techniques such as principal component image selection, Moving Least Squares (MLS), and image fusion, hidden details invisible to the naked eye can be extracted. This method is highly valuable for studying ancient painting techniques and cultural significance.

For instance, in examining the severely damaged "Kuilong pattern" on the No. 2 Bronze Chariot of the Qin Mausoleum (affected by pigment flaking, bronze rust coverage, and discoloration), near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (900–1700 nm) was employed. Analysis revealed a significant absorption trough near 1450 nm at pigment edges. Hyperspectral images captured at this wavelength clearly displayed pattern edges obscured by rust or pigment loss, overcoming interference from these factors.

光谱采集区域 / The picture of the gathering area

"夔龙纹"边缘区域光谱曲线域

The spectral curve of the edge areas in the “Kuilong" pattern

(a)、(b)： 经高通滤波器增强的高光谱图像，及其边缘提取结果

(c) 、(d)：经图像校正后的普通光学图像，及其边缘提取结果

(e)：图(b)与(d)边缘信息的融合结果

(a), (b): Hyperspectral image enhanced by high-pass filter and its edge extraction result

(c), (d): Corrected conventional optical image and its edge extraction result

(e): Fusion result of edge information from (b) and (d)

「科技赋能，续写文明 / Technology Empowering Cultural Continuity」

高光谱成像技术，如同一把无损的“文物解码器"，为彩绘文物的研究与保护开辟了新的视角，在揭示颜料信息、鉴别材料组成、再现历史纹饰方面展现出强大的能力。

精准探测，源于好的设备。要充分发挥高光谱技术的潜力，稳定可靠、性能优异的设备至关重要。我司提供宽广波段的高光谱成像仪，可集成至便携式、实验室台架等多种系统，为文化遗产现场与实验室检测提供无损、精准、高效的整体解决方案。

随着数据处理方法、光谱数据库的完善以及多技术协同应用的深入，这项技术将会在文化遗产保护领域扮演越来越关键的角色，为守护和传承人类瑰宝贡献重要力量。

Hyperspectral imaging, like a non-destructive "artifact decoder," opens new perspectives for the research and conservation of painted cultural relics. It demonstrates remarkable capabilities in revealing pigment information, identifying material compositions, and reconstructing historical patterns.

Precision detection stems from exceptional equipment. To fully realize the potential of hyperspectral technology, stable, reliable, and high-performance instruments are essential. Our company offers broad-band hyperspectral imagers that can be integrated into portable, laboratory bench, and other systems, providing non-destructive, accurate, and efficient solutions for both on-site and laboratory cultural heritage examinations.

As data processing methods improve, spectral databases expand, and multi-technique collaborations deepen, this technology will play an increasingly critical role in cultural heritage conservation, contributing significantly to the preservation and transmission of human treasures.

案例来源 / Source：

1. Shi, X., Lin, X., Lei, Y., Wu, J., Lv, X., & Zhou, Y. (2024). A study on pigment composition of Buddhist cave paintings based on hyperspectral technology. Materials, 17(21), 5147.

2. Sandak, J., Sandak, A., Legan, L., Retko, K., Kavčič, M., Kosel, J., Poohphajai, F., Diaz, R. H., Ponnuchamy, V., Sajinčič, N., Gordobil, O., Tavzes, C., & Ropret, P. (2021). Nondestructive evaluation of heritage object coatings with four hyperspectral imaging systems. Coatings, 11(2), 244.

3. Han, D., Ma, L., Ma, S., & Zhang, J. (2019). Discovery and extraction of surface painted patterns on the cultural relics based on hyperspectral imaging. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1237(3), 032028.