Examination of 14-15th century Buddhist wall paintings from a cave complex in Saspol, Ladakh

Buddhist wall paintings from a cave complex in Saspol, Ladakh, India, dating to the 14-15th century, were taken up for a study of their painting technology. Paint micro-samples were investigated by scanning electron and optical microscopy, and multi-spectral imaging of the paintings conducted at site. Azurite, vermilion, orpiment, indigo, and madder are the main inorganic and organic pigments identified. Pigments were typically applied in one or more layers on the wall surfaces, depending on the painting scheme and on the colour finish desired. The materials and techniques employed for the Saspol paintings are consistent with those known to exist in the region up to that time, with no indications of any new external influences as made out for their artistic style or iconographic content.