Identification of Ryukyu lacquerware by pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Six kinds of Ryukyu lacquerwares were analyzed using pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine the identity of the lacquer source. 3-Heptylcatechol (MW = 208) and 3-heptylphenol (MW = 192) due to the pyrolysis product of urushiol were detected in four kinds of lacquer pieces. In the other two lacquer pieces, 3-nonylcatechol (MW = 236) and 3-nonylphenol (MW = 220) were obtained due to the pyrolysis of laccol, suggesting that the Ryukyu lacquerware was made from Rhus vernicifera and Rhus succedanea, respectively. In addition, the conservation and restoration of valuable ancient lacquerware also is discussed.