What does this research mean for the field?

PIXE-PIGE and SEM-EDS techniques yield comparable compositional results for characterizing Italian maiolica tin glazes, and TIMS analysis demonstrates that the lead in Montelupo glazes originated from foreign rather than Italian sources. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to characterize tin glazes used in Italian maiolica through advanced analysis techniques.

May 31, 2026Open Access

A synergistic approach combining invasive and non-invasive compositional analysis techniques on Italian maiolica tin glazes from Montelupo Fiorentino

Key Points

The study aims to characterize tin glazes used in Italian maiolica through advanced analysis techniques.
Implemented PIXE-PIGE and SEM-EDS for compositional characterization.
Analyzed both glazed and unglazed samples.
Conducted TIMS measurements to determine lead origins.
PIXE-PIGE and SEM-EDS results were comparable for most samples.
Samples with an overglaze yielded different compositional results in PIXE-PIGE analysis.
TIMS measurements indicated the lead in Montelupo glazes originates from foreign deposits.

Abstract

• PIXE-PIGE analysis was tested for the characterisation of tin glazes used in Italian maiolica and compared with SEM-EDS. • The compositional results obtained by PIXE-PIGE and SEM-EDS are comparable. • Different results were obtained by PIXE-PIGE when analysing samples with or without a transparent overglaze. • TIMS measurements revealed that the lead used in Montelupo glazes does not come from Italian deposits, but from foreign sources.

A synergistic approach combining invasive and non-invasive compositional analysis techniques on Italian maiolica tin glazes from Montelupo Fiorentino

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study