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

Abstract 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.