Abstract:Image retrieval technology can be used to find the color painting similarities related to the project and to make full use of relevant data and images from the architectural color paintings database.A retrieval method for architectural color paintings based on shape and color features is set up.The first step is to classify the basic types of architectural color paintings.Then the edges of the color painting image are recorded.Then the detected image is matched by the pre defined template and the image is classified as to one of the basic types of color paintings according to the matching result.The second step is to calculate the similarity within the same type of the images. The color histograms of the color paintings in HSV space are statistically calculated and the search is carried out by the similarity of the histograms within the same type of the color paintings.Experiments show that the retrieval results reached by the method are similar to that made by the perception of human eyes.

Abstract:Due to uncertainties during on site archaeological explorations and to improve traditional exploration technologies for ancient tomb sites in China,an intelligent robotic system based on automatics was designed and developed.The system is designed to record the internal environment of the ancient underground tombs.The recorded data are used to aid in preservation of antiques inside the ancient tombs as well as for providing the valuable references to the archaeological research.The entire system is modular and of minimal size,and can be adapted for two different archaeological situations during the exploration of the ancient tombs.The robotic system can enter covered ancient tombs through holes dug for regular archaeological exploration.In one case the vertical digging hole is less than 12 cm in diameter,and the other is 50 cm in diameter.Archaeologists can operate and control the robotic system by wired communication.Finally,field test results are presented for validation of this archaeological robotic system design.

Abstract:The Cangzhou Iron Lion is the largest cast iron lion in the world.Its importance and environmental setting necessitate a system for on site monitoring and early warning.The data acquisition system that comprises a major component of the health monitoring system for the Cangzhou Iron Lion is described.First,the sensors used for the Cangzhou Iron were chosen based on the performance factors and characteristics of different sensors.Then,a hardware system was designed for the chosen sensors.Software was developed by using Labview as the platform,and focused on the Cangzhou Iron Lion's special requirements.A complete data acquisition system based on virtual instrument technology was set up.Finally,experiments were done which showed that the data acquisition system could be applied to monitor the Cangzhou Iron Lion,which suggested that the developed system could support the realization of a future data acquisition system for monitoring the health of the Cangzhou Iron Lion.

Abstract:The purpose of this research is to build a database of pigments and technique of Han Dynasty painting to gain scientific evidence of comparative study of paintings from different regions,to protect painted pottery figurines for middle to long term,and for the exhibition of these objects in the museum.MINLTA CR300 Colorimeter,XRite spectrodensitometer densitometer and XTL series microscope were used to analyze the chromaticity of 61 samples from 6 pigment layers and the density and surface microstructure information of 5 pigments from painted pottery fragments.Based on a large number of data and analysis,a sphere chroma tolerance evaluation model was construct. The model suggests the black samples are preserved well,while the orange samples are badly worn.But the pigments distribution of the orange samples is more evenly than others.Pigment density analysis shows that orange pigments on a fragmented pottery figurine's leg are preserved relatively well with uniform and compact pigment layer on the top. Microanalysis shows that 5%B72 ethanol system is good for surface pigment reinforcement,which has good dispersion with no significant change of the pigment surface.5% B72 ethanol system is an option for the protection of painted pottery figurine.

Abstract:In order to conserve paintings and colored drawings scientifically,an investigation has been carried out on representative paintings and colored drawings of Xi'an Drum Tower.It has been shown that the main deterioration problems are gloss loss,color fading or changing,powdering,cracking,peeling,falling,smoke damage,dust,etc.Preliminary deterioration causes were discussed based on simulation experiments.The results indicated that wood moisture content and plastering techniques were the internal causes leading to deterioration.External environmental factors include ultraviolet radiation,temperature and humidity,atmospheric dust, smoke and rain,etc.The results provide scientific bases for the protection of paintings and colored drawings.

Abstract:The UV absorbers,UV531,UV328 and UVP were added into PU (an MDI polyurethane) to improve its light-fastness.FTIR,reflectance spectroscopy and light aging weight loss experiments were done to test the anti photoageing properties of the modified material.After comparative studies,it was concluded that the anti photoageing properties of PU modified with UV531 are better than those of unmodified PU,and PU modified with UV328 and UVP.This research suggested that the modified PU with UV531 has great potential for the protection of colored lacquer relics.

Abstract:The different types of damage caused to ancient Chinese architecture by the Wenchuan earthquake were summarized as a basis for protecting such ancient structures in the future.For wooden structures,destruction of foundations,shift of column bases,incline of columns,separation of tenons from mortises,cracks in the decoration,incline of the roof system, loss of tiles,collapse of filler walls,etc were found.Masonry and brick wooden structures,because the materials' anti dragging,anti pressure and anti shearing force strengths are relatively weak,tended to collapse during the earthquake.Conclusion was drawn that the main reasons for damage to ancient structures are the extremely strong seismic force,the lack of timely maintenance and reinforcement of the ancient structures,poor construction,the natural weakness of masonry materials,etc.Possible aseismic reinforcement remedies for each damage type were recommanded.Based on the above work,it is concluded that to improve the aseismic capability of ancient Chinese structures and to minimize earthquake damage,more effort should be put into maintenance and reinforcement and timely removal of latent problems.

Abstract:A red powdery material unearthed from Sunwu period tomb M2 in Wulidun,Ezhou city,Hubei Province,was analyzed using Xray fluorescence (XRF),Fourier transform spectroscopy (FITR) and Xray Diffraction (XRD).The experimental results showed that the red material was a mixture of microfine vermilion mineral and oils.After a literature research,it was speculated that this material had been used as ancient cosmetics.The processing procedures could be:first,vermilion was separated from vermilion-quartz ore and ground to a microfine powder;then oils (white kaolin could be mixed,too) were added to make a cream.This research not only provides important archaeological information for this tomb site,but also provides an example for analysis of ancient vermilion cosmetics research.

Abstract:This research is aimed at assessing the impacts of several cleaning agents frequently applied to the porcelain artifacts for removing dirt and stains.Two primary methods introduced here are:(1)comparison of the surface before and after treatment and (2) dissolution test of pastes and glazes. The experiments show that hydrochloric acid,oxalic acid,citric acid,sodium hexametaphosphate, and disodium EDTA are more efficient for removing the yellow stains adhering to the surfaces. However,almost all cleaning agents cause some damage to the porcelain.Alkaline solution and chelating agents show a strong corrosive effect.Acidic agents,such as nitric acid,oxalic acid and hydrochloric acid,also result in serious corrosion.In general,agents with good cleaning effect also impose more damage to the porcelain artifacts.

Abstract:An architectural wooden bar unearthed in Hemudu,Yuyao,Zhejiang Province has suffered from disintegration caused by micro organisms after earlier replacement and filling with polyethylene glycol (PEG).The antimicrobial effects of chitooligo saccharide,catechin and zinc oxide nanoparticles on those ancient wooden structures were tested,with the aim of avoiding the environmental issue resulting from synthetic preservatives.The classical method of separation and identification of destructive microbes was used,and the effective antimicrobial concentrations of chitooligo saccharide,catechin,and zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated.The bacteria which damage ancient soft timber include Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Morganella morganii and Flavabacterium oboratum.Fungi include mainly Trichoderma lignorum,Aspergillus terreus,Aspergillus glaucus,Penicillium chrysogenum and Rhizoctonia solani;The primary bacterium that damage ancient hard timber is Presumptive Acinetibacter lwoffii,fungi include Trichoderma koningii,Phialophora richardsial, Penicillium chrysogenum,Penicillum patulum,Cephalosporium costantinii,Alternaria tenuis and Rhizoctonia solani.The respective effective antimicrobial concentrations of chitooligo saccharide,catechin,and zinc oxide nanoparticles are 2.5%,10.0% and 5.0%.The effectiveness of 10% catechin's against the four main types of destructive bacteria is greater than that of 2.5% chitooligo saccharide and 5.0% zinc oxide nanoparticles;the inhibitory effect of 2.5% chitooligo saccharide toward eight kinds of filamentous fungi is greater than that of 10.0% catechin and 5.0% zinc oxide nanoparticles.Since chitooligo saccharide,catechin and zinc oxide nanoparticles show selective inhibitory effects against ancient timber microbes,and taking into account that the main harmful microbes to timber is fungi,2.5% chitooligo saccharide is the preferred environment friendly bio antibacterial agent.

Abstract:In January 2008,during archaeological excavation of a late Neolithic remains site by Chengdu Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology and Xindu Heritage Cultural Relics Administration,two earthen pit graves were unearthed.A complete set of human bone remains was found in grave M1,which has high research value.Due to its great age and the severe environment, the bones easily disintegrated into powders,which made direct extraction impossible.To protect and preserve the precious Neolithic human remains for future study,the “case” method was applied to extract the entire pit grave. After several experiments,adhesive agent A305 was used to repair cracks;protective agent GSA and B365 were used to reinforce the pit.Extraction and protection of the pit were observed to be satisfactory.A scientific protection program has been proposed. The successful extraction and protection of this pit provides a reference for heritage conservation in humid areas.

Abstract:In March,2008,the tomb of Fu Bi,a famous Northern Song dynasty prime minister,was discovered at a construction site in the northern suburb of Luoyang.Rare wall paintings with images of door guards and a Black Tortoise were found.To protect this important cultural relic,the Luoyang Museum of Ancient Arts removed and restored the tomb wall paintings. The paintings were removed by using adhesives and gauze, and then Primal SF016 was used to penetrate and therefore enhance the paintings.Primal SF016 and fine sand were mixed to form an isolating layer. An alveolate aluminum panel was chosen as the support material. The damaged and lost area was completed by using the “Projected line method”.Now,the wall paintings appear in excellent condition after conservation.This work provides a good example for conservation and protection of wall paintings in China.

Abstract:Rotted wooden Han Dynasty oxcarts having two huge wheels with a simple,special design characteristic of the Hexi corridor and the western ancient China were unearthed at Mozuizi in Wuwei.Due to their burial and the environment,they have characteristics typical of rotten wood:the body structure has fallen into pieces due to severe corrosion;the wood is shrunken and distorted;wheels are damaged and incomplete;the shaft and axle are broken;ling and di are missing;gu and accessories are highly degraded and powdered.It is impossible to reconstruct the whole piece.Therefore,salvage restoration of these oxcarts was executed.Han Dynasty coffin wood from archaeological sites was used as repair materials.Small pieces of coffin wood treated with polyvinyl acetate (CH₂CH OCOCH₃)_n were used to replace missing parts,and a worn look was achieved.Recycled,aged bamboo sticks were used to restore the axle.Using a dripping and penetrating method,PB72 in ethyl acetate or acetone was applied to consolidate degraded parts.The original apprearance of the cart was achieved by following ancient mortise paring techniques.The results of this restoration are satisfactory.The work demonstrates how suitable materials and technology can be used for restoration of rotten wood.

Abstract:Recent geochemistry researches show that significant variations in copper isotope composition occur in different geological and metallogenic environments.Because of the regularity of copper isotope variations in copper ore deposits,copper isotopes a new tracer that can be applied in archaeological provenance studies.This research briefly introduces the progress in copper isotope geochemistry,analytical technique for copper isotope analysis and their application to archaeology.Although copper isotope geochemistry is still in its formative stage and the variation of copper isotope in nature is very complicated,the application of copper isotope analyses to provenance studies of artifacts made from copper ore shows bright prospects.Copper isotope technique will play a more important role with the advance of copper isotope geochemistry and analytical techniques.