Between past and future: advanced studies of ancient colours to safeguard cultural heritage and new sustainable applications

Abstract

Heritage materials are highly complex systems of unknown and intrinsically heterogeneous compositions and unmonitored long-term modifications. In this microreview, we describe our interdisciplinary approach, its importance to new treatments tailored to prevent changes to historical colours, and innovative strategies for their identification in artworks. We illustrate our methodology through the study of medieval Islamic manuscripts from the Fondo Ka’ti. These advanced studies have shown the remarkable properties of ancient dyes, their resilience and durability, properties designed by our ancestors through sustainable materials processing. This lost knowledge can be shared with the community empowering them to create new sustainable applications, from unique art pieces to regional value-added products