The article introduces nine lead - containing pigments discovered in northwest China: lead white, phosgenite, leadhillite, anglesite, cotunite, laurionite, pyromorphite, mimetesite and lead sulfide. These pigments have long history of application in China. These pigments could come from mineral sources although they might be man - made. Various lead - containing pigments were found in Tiantishan Grotto. Pyromorphite and mimetesite are characteristic pigments used in Maijishan Grotto.