Copper trihydroxychlorides as pigments in China

Based on recent pigment analyses of many dated caves and murals, as well as investigation of historical records and inscriptions in China, it is proposed that the most popular green pigment for wall painting and architecture might be copper trihydroxychlorides from North Dynasty (386–581 CE) until late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911 CE), rather than malachite. Furthermore, the synthetic technology of making bronze corrosion artificially probably began to dominate the green pigment supply in Five Dynasties (907–960 CE) or Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE).