Abstract:In order to compensate for the gap in research on the classification of states of deterioration of historical stone relics in china,this research systematically discusses and summarizes current international research results on the classification of stone deterioration.Based on these findings,more than twenty stone monuments in China were surveyed and classified.A new three-level historical deterioration classification system is presented which not only derives from international research,but also is appropriate to the Chinese situation.It provides a reference for engineers of stone monument conservation.

Abstract:In China,silk relics have been excavated in large quantity and variety;however,because of the relative high humidity of the burial environment,some silk relics were even soaked in the liquid in coffin,and a lot of crystals formed on their surfaces,affecting their quality.Therefore,the cleaning of such silk is an important part of heritage conservation.In this study,crystal fouling on the surface of silk relics from the Tang Dynasty was analyzed using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.The results showed that the main component of the crystals was CaSO₄·2H₂O.Kombucha fermentation solution was found,under microscopic observation,to cause no damage to the silk,and the silk passed the tension strength test.Because of its biological acid and enzyme content,Kombucha fermentation solution could be used to remove the crystal fouling on the surface of silk relics.A good cleaning effect was achieved without damaging the silk.

Abstract:It is very important to investigate the airborne microorganisms due to the fact that the biodeterioration can be induced by such microorganisms.In this study,the Anderson FA-I air sampler was used for the sampling of airborne microorganisms both in a closed cave (closed to all visitors) and at an outside site (the entrance gate) at the Mogao Grottoes.It was found that the concentration of airborne bacteria in the cave was much higher than the outside,but no significant difference in concentration of fungi was observed between the two sites.There were slight variances of airborne microorganism concentrations according to the season,the highest fungi concentration season outside being during the summer.Inside the case,the bacteria concentration was the highest during winter.The significant positive correlations were made between the outside cave bacteria concentration and air temperature,solar radiation,surface temperature and wind speed,while a negative correlation was seen with air relative humidity.Meanwhile a positive correlation was found between outside cave fungi concentration and the number of visitors.The airborne bacteria mainly distributed on stages 1,3 and 4,and fungi at stages 2,3 and 4.The most abundant fungi found in the Dunhuang Mogao Grottos were Cladosporium,and the non-sporing fungi:Penicillium,Alternaria and Aspergillus.

Abstract:By use of optical microscopy (OM),Micro-energy disperses X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD),ceramic samples from the Thnal Mrech klin (TMK) and the Bang Kong (BK) kiln were analyzed systematically to determine the ancient Khmer porcelain production process and its features.The analysis indicated that different types of porcelain clays were used at the two kilns.The body material of the celadon from TMK has high content of SiO₂ and lower content of Al₂O₃,and the clay was extensively treated before use.The difference in color between the porcelain body and the glaze may relate to content of Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂.Grass and wood ashes were found to have been used as a flux in both kilns.In term of chemical composition of the glaze,celadon of the two kilns belong to calcium glaze type.However,some of black glaze from BK is of the calcium-alkali type and some is alkali-calcium.Moreover,the firing temperature of the two kilns was higher than 1200℃,but neither kiln had strict criterion with regard to regulation of the firing temperature.These analytical results have important relevance to research on the history of Cambodia ceramics and the cultural exchanges between China and Cambodia.

Abstract:Ancient milk residues research is a hot spot of international scientific archeology.Major analytical methods currently in use include stable carbon isotope composition of individual fatty acid and protein immunoassay.Such research has not been developed in China.In this research,a commercial ELISA kit was adopted to analyze the black block residue from the Subeixi Site in Shanshan county,Turpan district,Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.ELISA analysis demonstrated the presence of a small amount of bovine casein in the residue.Thus,the detected residue could be a milk product or a certain substance blended with milk.It suggested that the milk had been included in an ancient diet no later than the third to fifth century B.C.among the people in Xinjiang area.This analytical method is well developed,and could be widely applied to the fast detection of ancient milk residues in China.

Abstract:Two sampling methods for thermoluminescence dating of ancient porcelain are compared with regard to the average standard deviation of TL sensitivities,linear dependency of linear regression for three data points and proximity of measurement results to the true value.The results of these experiments indicated that the grain sampling method has higher accuracy,precision and reliability than the slice sampling method.

Abstract:FTIR and amino acid analysis were used to characterize five commonly used binding media found in ancient cultural relics.According to the FTIR spectra,characteristic of protein based binders are the peaks around 1653cm^-1 and 1545cm^-1;peach gum has peaks around 1076cm^-1 and 1043cm^-1;casein shows peak characteristic of both protein based binder and peach gum.Amino acid analysis of animal glue shows,uniquely,hydroxyproline and a high level of glycine.Eggs have a higher content of aspartic acid and lower proline.And casein has a higher content of glutamic acid and alanine.It is conclude that based on their amino acid composition and their FTIR characteristics,commonly used ancient binding media can be differentiated and identified.

Abstract:A number of Han Dynasty painted wooden horses have been found at the Mozuizi archaeology site.These wooden horses have big bodies,typical of the Hexi horse of ancient China.Because of the characteristics of the material,these wooden horses became water-saturated and rotten,and require immediate conservation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to analyze the paint pigments on the wood horses.The results show that the black pigment is Chinese ink (C),the white pigment is gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O),and the red pigments are cinnabar(HgS) and red lead(Pb₃O₄).Han Dynasty coffin wood was used to restore the missing parts,using traditional construction techniques.Colorless and transparent polymethyl methacrylate (MMA) was used to make a base to support the horses body.PB72 was used to reinforce the surface of badly decayed wood and its paint layers.Polyvinyl acetate(［CH₂CH］nOCOH₃) was used to reattach the broken parts.A technique involving adding wedges and drilling holes was introduced to reattach the parts.Finally,the painted wooden horses were well preserved by adding supportive bases.The restoration results are very good.

Abstract:A rarely seen Taoist real-body clay sculpture was found at Matou Mountain in ShaanXi.The sculpture was made mainly based on the body of an actual Taoist and was strengthened by wheat straw wrapped in cloth and covered with clay.It is so fragile that immediate relocation and conservation was needed.Temporary reinforcement actions were taken:cyclodoecane was brushed on the sculpture and cloth was used to cover it;the base of the sculpture was replaced.The relocation of the sculpture was successful and exhibitory conservation work was done.This research provides an example of relocation and conservation of an extremely fragile sculpture.

Abstract:To perform safe and efficient protection of a badly corroded and fragile pig skeleton from Gongcun site in Pingyao，a low Concentration of B72 was chosen as a reinforcing and protective agent for in situ conservation.After treatment with B72,the entire skeleton was extracted form the site by block cutting and box lifting.The results showed that the method is reasonable and efficient.The successful extraction and protection of this relic represents valuable experience for similar conservation work in in-situ conservation and block lifting in the future.

Abstract:Karou is a Neolithic site in Changdu County,Tibet.In 1978,it was excavated by the Cultural Relics Administration Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region and History Department of Sichuan University.The archaeological report by these two groups focused mainly on the architectural and technical tool remains.The data on housing site column holes caught the author's attention.This research tries to use quantitative analysis method to explore the architectural remains.Through statistical analysis,the data of housing site column hole reflect the development of the Karou culture.It is suggested that the Karou culture grew from week to strong,and then from strong to week again over a period of about 1000 years.It confirms the lifestyle changes occurring in Karou based on technical tool analysis.

Abstract:With the development of 3D scanning technology,the scope of its application has been gradually expanded.This technology also plays an important role in the conservation of cultural relics.As a result,the digitization during conservation and restoration of cultural relics has become an essential part of a modern museum,and the technology is developing rapidly.Recently,researchers in the Capital Museum have carried out a series of digital modeling projects,and a special effort was made to assist the restoration and reproduction of cultural relics.Various problems,such as color misinterpretation and background interruption were encountered during the process,and solutions were proposed.This research is for mutual discussion by researchers working in computer science and conservation of cultural relics.

Abstract:An image-based modeling technique is described that can reconstruct 3D models of objects directly from two-dimensional digital images.This research introduces the basic method and principles of image-based modeling.This technique was used to build a 3D model of a statue on the campus of Chongqing University.This image-based modeling technique could be used in the case of natural disasters or accidents for construction of a 3D model and,therefore,be used for the restoration of cultural relics.The technique has practical value and various potential applications.

Abstract:Cleaning is a very important process for the conservation of cultural relics. Research on the new cleaning materials and technology is very important to the development of new conservation treatment. The effectiveness and methods of using Carbopol 934 resin as a cleaning reagent on the cleaning of textiles were studied. Its potential for cleaning of paper, brick and stone were also tested. The results indicate that the Carbopol 934 resin has the advantages of longer effective time and smaller diffusion. An isolator layer could help reduce the residue on the object and achieve better cleaning effect. Carbopal 934 is effective in cleaning brick, stone, paper and textiles.

Abstract:This is a comprehensive review on the chemical cleaning techniques available for the conservation of historic stone relics.This research discusses principles for cleaning,different types of pollutants,chemical cleaning technologies and their correlation with other special cleaning methods,the main principles of chemical cleaning methods and examples of their application,plaster cleaning technologies and so on.Some examples of collaborative research work with Zhejiang University are presented.The review will provide some ideas for Chinese researchers in stone conservation.