A Study on Magnetic Properties and Role of the Iron Oxides in Ancient Baekje Black Burnished Pottery by Mössbauer Spectroscopy

Abstract

The magnetic properties and mineral composition of black burnished pottery and reddish-brown pottery with soot unearthed from Pungnaptoseong, and restored black burnished pottery were investigated to determine the black coloring mechanism and firing condition. Results indicate that an increase in the amount of magnetic iron oxide (especially Fe3O4) by the thermal reduction reaction of hematite influences the development of black color on the surface. Furthermore, for each sample, the black surface was determined to contain the highest amount of magnetic iron oxide, followed by the black to dark gray matrix, and then the brownish matrix. These results suggested that the ancient black burnished pottery was produced by a stronger reduction reaction on the surface, as compared to the matrix during the firing process. Further, the pottery with a black to dark gray matrix was produced through intense and prolonged reduction firing, compared to the pottery with a brownish matrix.