https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-06314-z
Regular Article
New vision beneath the emission: insights into the characterization of celadon by cathodoluminescence image analysis and synchrotron-based XRD
1
Department of Conservation and Archaeometry, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2
Archéosciences Bordeaux, UMR 6034, CNRS, Université Bordeaux Montaigne, Bordeaux, France
3
SESAME Synchrotron, King Hussein Bin Talal St/Box 7, 19252, Allan, Jordan
4
Department of Archaeology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Received:
6
December
2023
Accepted:
10
April
2025
Published online:
4
June
2025
Metamorphic reactions in ancient ceramics, particularly neo-crystallization, are key for analyzing antique objects during their technological processes. Cathodoluminescence imaging and spectrometry (via optical and scanning electron microscopy) enhance the study of mineralogy, crystal growth, and phase decomposition in materials like celadons. synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction further supports archaeometric studies by identifying newly formed crystals in small quantities, especially at the body-glaze interface of celadon products. This study analyzed celadon sherds from Gur in the south-central Iranian plateau. Optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray emission, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction, and cathodoluminescence were employed to examine chemical and mineralogical transformations during manufacturing. The research focused on phase development at the body-glaze interface. Crystals formed during heating were identified by cathodoluminescence emissions from point defects in crystal structures. The celadon body was crafted from kaolinite-rich clay, producing aluminosilicate crystals in the glaze at – 1200 °C. Anorthite and mullite were detected at the body-glaze interface. These materials and firing conditions reflect the advanced technical expertise of ancient potters, influencing the color, cohesion, and durability of celadon pottery.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
