Guanyintang is regarded as the earliest Buddhist temple for worshipping Avalokitesvara(Guanyin) in Datong,Shanxi Province. There are about 70 m2 of murals from the late Qing dynasty in the main hall, Guanyindian, that are significant as being representative of Qing dynasty murals from the Datong area. Several analysis methods including microscopy(OM), X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electronic microscopy(SEM), etc. were utilized in analyzing the micro-structures and mineral pigments of mural samples from Guanyintang; this analysis can provide a preliminary interpretation of the painting materials and techniques. The results show that the traditional painting technique of applying a secco in layers to the inner walls of the temple was used. First, a base layer of loess clay containing chopped reeds was plastered onto the interior surface of the brick wall. A clay wash, which contains thin fibers, was then coated over this layer of plaster, following which a thin white layer of kaolinite or calcite was added as the final surface on which paint could be applied. The mural samples show the presence of various common mineral pigments such as cinnabar, azurite, malachite, minium, orpiment, plumbite and hematite, etc. The results of this study can provide important scientific data for understanding the wall painting technology and materials utilized at Datong in the Qing dynasty.
