Abstract:In order to study the treatment technique used in Chu style Ge having patterns from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electron Back Scatter Diffraction (EBSD) were used to examine the composition, microstructure, phase constitution and manufacture techniques of patterns in the Chu style Ge collection from Shanghai Museum. It was found that the thickness of high tin content layers of Chu style Ge is not uniform, although most of the layers are around 10 micrometers thick. In some areas the high tin layer are composed of 4 different phases: η phase, ε phase, δ phase, and (α+δ) phase. No obvious boundary was observed between the high tin layer and its substrate. Based on previous research on high tin techniques, it was found that patterns of the Chu style Ge share the same characteristics as technique as those seen in other areas, namely that they were made by hot tinning. However, the Chu style Ge have their own distinct regional tinning control techniques.

Abstract:In order to study the influence of environment on the deterioration of historical sandstone, the sandstone of Xi Huang Temple in Beijing, China, and of Chau Say Tevoda in AnKorin, Cambodia, were selected as research subjects. This research focused on four sandstone exfoliation characteristics: shape, physical properties, chemical components, and microstructure change. The research also analyzed the exfoliation mechanism based on stone characteristics and its environment. It is concluded that exfoliation of the sandstone of Chau Say Tevoda is more serious than that of XiHuang Temple for three reasons: the first is that the sandstone of Chau Say Tevoda is of a type that deteriorates more easily than the sandstone of Xi Huang Temple; the second is that the annual average precipitation of Siem Reap is much higher than that of Beijing; the third is that the biological activity at Siem Reap is more active than that at Beijing. The testing methods used here and sandstone exfoliation mechanism described will serve as a reference for similar studies.

Abstract:To protect Chinese ancient architecture, the aseismic behavior of ancient Chinese architecture having ion hook strengthened mortise and tenon joints was studied experimentally. Based on the three frame structure of Tai He Palace in the Forbidden City, three wooden frame models were made on a 1/8 scale. The models were built using Yan wei (swallow tail) type of mortise and tenon connections. Low cycle reversed loading tests were used to get moment rotation hysteretic curves and skeleton curves for the joints. The energy dissipation capability, stiffness degradation and deformation performance were also studied. The results showed that after the joint was strengthened with an iron hook, although the energy dissipation capability of the joint decreased slightly, the chance that the embedded tenon pulled out of mortise also decreased, the stiffness and strength of the joint was enhanced, stiffness degradation of the joint was not obvious, and the joint had good ductility. Thus, iron-hook is good for strengthening mortise and tenon joints in Chinese ancient architecture.

Abstract:To provide technical assistance for the repair and protection of Ta Keo Temple in Angkor, Cambodia, a world cultural heritage site, structural analysis consisting of architectural and structural forms used and stress conditions affecting the pylons of the temple was done. Using the large finite element software ABAQUS, the structural stability was analyzed and damage to the pylons was assessed. These results can be used as a reference for the repair and research on Ta Keo Temple.

Abstract:Silk relics are valuable materials for studying the ancient embroidery technology, culture and art history of China. The protection of the silk relics is of great significance to China's cultural relic status. However, silk relics may be polluted by blood as the bodies decay and as the environment in the graves changes. Blood stains, having low solubility and being closely attached to the silk, made cleaning difficult. So the choice of the right detergent for removing the blood stains with minimal mechanical agitation becomes critical for the conservation of silk relics. This research investigated the cooperative effects of using a protease and a surfactant to remove blood stains. First suitable proteases and surfactants were screened. Then the cleaning parameters, such as dosage concentration, soaking time and soaking temperature, were optimized. The results showed that the optimal protease and surfactant are Savinase and alkyl polyglycoside (APG) respectively. The optimal concentration of Savinase is 1% and that of APG is 5%. The best of the soaking time and soaking temperature were 30 min and 50 ℃ respectively. After treatment, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and tensile strength tests were used to check the cooperative cleaning effects of Savinase and APG. The results showed that there was little impact on the silk's structure and tensile strength after cleaning. This cleaning technology was applied to silk fragment relics of Yuan Dynasty, with good results. This research provided a new mild method to remove the blood stains on silk relics.

Abstract:To overcome the problem of Shu Xuan paper with ancient drawings becoming brittle after conservation, accelerated aged Shu Xuan paper was used as a sample for de acidification experiments on ancient drawings and paintings made on Xuan paper. Following the “Minimal interventional Principle” for culture relics, the Shu Xuan paper was de acidified by controlled washing using ultra pure water as solvent. The results of pH value, color difference measurements and the folding endurance of the paper suggest that this method can reduce the damage to Shu Xuan paper while not introducing new impurities. The method is also environmentally friendly and of low cost.

Abstract:Twenty four trace elements in twenty eight greenish white Song Yuan dynasty porcelain fragments unearthed in the Three Gorges were analyzed by (neutron activation analysis (NAA) to determine their sites of production. Twenty porcelain pieces previously dated to a similar age, with known sites of origin, were also analyzed by NAA. The data obtained were analyzed by SPSS，a statistical software package. It was found that the rare earth element contents in porcelain produced in Jiangxi are significantly different from those produced in other provinces, such as Fujian, Anhui and Hubei. The Rb, Cs, Hf and Th compositions in these porcelains are also obviously different from site to site. Among the porcelains unearthed in the Three Gorges, all have trace element characteristics similar to those produced in Jingdezhen, except for two pieces, labeled Rongyang5 and Tushanyao5. These results suggest that most of the greenish white porcelain fragments unearthed in the Three Gorges were very likely produced in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi.

Abstract:Starch grains analysis was used to study the residues of lacquer binder in lacquer fragments excavated from the Fengpengling site, Changsha. Starch grains possessing a distinctive Maltese cross effect were observed using a polarizing microscope. The grain size ranged from 13 μm to 25 μm across. When the grains were heated to between 60℃ and 80℃ for about 30 min, the grains showed gelatinization. These results indicate that starch was mixed into the binder during production of the lacquer pieces. This research provides a new method for studying the Han Dynasty lacquer craftsmanship.

Abstract:Surface whitening of earthen sites, a phenomenon often occurs in dry environments, is closely related to the humidity of the site. The Han Yang tomb underground exhibition hall is the first fully enclosed exhibition hall in China. Although the exhibition hall of pit No. 13 has a constant humidity of 100%, surface whitening is still heavy in this high humid site. To better understand the causes of whitening, and the sources of the white materials, Xray fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, Xray diffraction and ion chromatography were used to analyze the elements, ions and phases of surface white materials in pit No. 13. The results of these studies show that the white material is mainly gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O). The results of ion chromatography suggest that migration and enrichment of soluble salts in soil may be the cause of the whitening.

Abstract:In this study, X ray fluorescence spectroscopy and X ray diffraction microscopy were employed to determine the elements in pigments applied to colored Tang Dynasty pottery figurines at the Shenzhen Museum. The results show that the red pigments are cinnabar (HgS) and red lead (Pb3O4), the black pigment is Carbon black (C), and the white pigments are white lead (2PbCO3·Pb(OH）2）and kaolin (Al2Si2O5(OH）4) and others. These results were compared with those of comparable colored pottery figures from Shaanxi province. These results also showed that the pigments used for these figurines and those from several areas in Shaanxi are the same. Based on these studies and current condition of the figurines, the figurines were conserved following the conservation rule of minimal intervention. The figurine surfaces were cleaned, broken parts were reassembled and glued together and missing parts were recreated. In this way, the original looks of these figurines were recovered. The conservation results are satisfactory.

Abstract:In order to protect and reinforce the Najing City wall, various conservation methods and reinforcement techniques were explored on the geological character of Shizi Mountain and architectural features of the wall. In addition, the damaged wall was investigated and the mountain body was explored in order to understand the reasons for the partial collapse of the Shizi Mountain part of the Nanjing City wall. Through the use of traditional techniques and modern reinforcement, the damaged wall, the drainage system was restored between the wall and the mountain, a system was set up for monitoring cracks in the wall, and the wall's overall survivability was improved. This work can serve as a technical reference for similar projects.

Abstract:The China Britain boundary markers, including the land, customs and maritime boundary markers, is the historical witness of the British colonial invasion and plunder. The land boundary mark in Chung Ying Street is the relic of most historical value dating from when Britain established the boundary at the north end of the “New Territories”. As a result of aging, as well as natural and human factor, the Chung Ying Street boundary marker has suffered varying degrees of damage. This research investigates and analyses the regional distribution, weathering, biological decay, surface pollution and color change, and mechanical damage to the boundary markers. The specific types of the damage and the causes of it were analyzed. Considering the current condition of the makers, we suggest a series of scientific methods for protection, including washing, surface protection, waterproofing and environmental remediation. In this way the boundary markers could be preserved and their use for educational purposes extended. The methods described would also be valuable for the protection of the customs and maritime boundary markers.

Abstract:In order to conserve a bronze mirror from Wei and Jin Dynasties unearthed at the Fo-Ye Temple in Dunhuang, the decay and damage characteristic of the mirror were described and the main corrosion products were analyzed. First, a picture showing the decay and damage of the object was drawn. Then the composition of the material in the mirror and the mirror's decoration and its main corrosion sites were analyzed by qualitative analysis of wet on bronze mirror, X ray fluorescence， X-ray inspection, Raman spectroscopy, X ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry The results showed that the bronze mirror was an alloy of bronze, containing both tin and lead; the back of the bronze mirror was found to be covered with an exquisite dragon pattern; the corrosion products of bronze mirror contained copper chloride. These results were used to develop a scientific conservation plan.

Abstract:Microscratch archaeology is a technology utilizing microscopic observations and technical analysis of natural microscratch traces left by humans and other animals that can help to explain the behavioral patterns of mankind and animal, their living environment, and other phenomena in buried cultural sites. As a technology, it has been applied extensively to the preservation of Chinese cultural relics. Microscratch archaeology is supplementary to traditional archaeology and conservation with aspects of to the direction, method of working and its outcome and thus it makes archaeological studies more comprehensive and scientific by presenting a range of information from micro to macro, from experimental to theoretical and from local to general. Microscrath archaeology has developed rapidly in China in recent year. Its professional teams have expanded, research concepts and experiment technology have progressed and work areas have widened. In recent years，microscratch archaeology has led to great achievements, such as the discovery of the earliest traces of human poking behavior, the earliest human skinning and slaughtering techniques, scratching patterns, etc. It has also borne fruitful results in research on the production and identification of jade, stone usage traces and regional cultural characteristics. The appearance and development of microscratch archaeology is rooted in archaeological science. With the advent of modern technology, archaeology's research ideas, analytical techniques and other aspects of cognitive depth are undergoing profound changes.

Abstract:Pottery is the most abundant of ancient remains, and early pottery bears the information on its production and the living conditions of our ancestors. This study is based on previous research on Chinese pottery by the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Jingdezhen Ceramics Institute and other institutions. With the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, archaeological reports on early pottery excavated from South China, such as the Zen Pi Yan site in Guangxi province, the ten-thousand year old fairy's cave site in Jiangxi province, the Pu River Shangshan site in Zhejiang province, etc. were selected for the characteristics of early pottery production processes, e.g., selection and processing of ceramic materials, pottery molding methods and firing processes. The study was aimed at gaining an incisive, broader and more objective view of the development of early pottery in different cultural regions of Southern China.

Abstract:Three dimensional laser scanning is a new, advanced and rapidly developing technique in the fields of both surveying and information technology. It has played an important role in the conservation of cultural relics. This report summarizes the characteristics of three dimensional laser scanning technology. With the aim of meeting requirements and to satisfy the demand for the conservation of stone cultural relics, some specific applications of the technique are introduced, especially information retention, virtual restoration and monitoring. Finally it is pointed out that in future application of the 3 D laser scanning to the field of relic conservation, there should be a focus on combining different applications; improvements of both hardware and software are also very important.