https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-06862-4
Regular Article
Heterogeneity analysis of mortar from different architectural parts: a case study of the sixth-generation Duanyi King’s Tomb of the Ming Dynasty Jingjiang Mausoleum, China
1
School of History, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
2
Guilin Jingjiang Prince Mausoleum Cultural Relics Administration, Guilin, Guangxi, China
Received:
24
June
2025
Accepted:
16
September
2025
Published online:
29
September
2025
The Jingjiang Princes’ Mausoleum, a representative Ming dynasty royal tomb, features lime mortars that serve both functional and artistic roles in its aboveground architecture. This study examines three mortar types from the gate of the sixth-generation Prince Mausoleum: wall plaster, brick joint mortar, and roof tile joint mortar. Using a combination of polarized light microscopy (PLM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), wet chemical analysis, thermogravimetric–differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the mineral composition, lime type, raw materials, organic additives, and microstructure were systematically analyzed. The results indicate that all the samples are calcium-based lime mortars, but they exhibit certain differences in their compositional formulations. The red wall plaster exhibits a two-layered structure: the outer layer, enriched with ochre powder, imparts a distinctive red lime finish that emphasizes the architectural hierarchy, whereas the inner lime layer, without the addition of iron-bearing minerals, primarily serves to provide structural support and adhesion. The masonry mortar between the wall bricks was made with relatively pure lime, and no evident aggregates or organic additives were identified.Proteinaceous additives found in the tile joint mortar likely enhance water resistance. These findings demonstrate the technical sophistication of Ming dynasty artisans and reflect the cultural symbolism and construction standards of royal funerary architecture. This research provides valuable insights for understanding Ming mortuary construction technologies and supports conservation efforts of related heritage sites.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-06862-4.
Copyright comment 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.
© 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.
