IDENTIFICATION OF PIGMENTS AND QUANTITY CALCINATIONS IN THE PRODUCTION OF TILE GLAZES FOR IMPORTED FROM 17TH AND 18TH CENTURY IN PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL

Authors

  • Pablo Góes UFPE
  • Eudes de Arimatéa
  • Maurílio Amâncio de Moraes
  • Paulo Martin Souto Maior

Abstract

To understand which materials and processes were employed in the production of Portuguese tile glazes from the 17th and 18th centuries in Pernambuco, this study chemically and mineralogically characterized 11 fragments, where it was found that the same minerals were present, but with variations in quantities. Using X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction tests, it was identified that the pigments used for coloring the glazes were antimony (Sb), responsible for the yellow color, manganese (Mn), for the reddish-brown coloration, and cobalt (Co) for the blue color. The vitreous base, consisting of silica, lead, potassium, and tin, other colors were applied. Optical microscopy revealed a well-defined interface between the clay body and the glaze in both centuries. However, two situations were identified in the samples: one with well-defined mineral layers and another with percolation between them. To identify the cause of these two glaze patterns and their interaction with the clay body, reproductions were made based on the information obtained from the historical fragments. The objective was to determine which consistency, temperature, and number of firings in glaze production led to the two situations identified in the historical fragments. It was thus determined that the minerals in the glaze percolated when only one firing was performed. On the other hand, when the layers and firings are done in two stages, there is no mineral percolation.

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Published

2025-09-02

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Artigos