Abstract:Painted potteries are characterized mainly by colorful decorations on their surfaces. The continuous studies on the painted pottery will gain knowledge about the making craft of pottery and the pigments. In this study, the compositions, structures and firing temperatures of painted pottery samples from a Xiang Mountain Han tomb and a Warring States Period tomb in Yiyuan county of Shandong province were analyzed by dispersive XRay fluorescence analysis, Xray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermal expansion analysis methods. For the first time, powdered talc was found as the understratum on cinnabar painted pottery. In the Yiyuan County Warring States Period tomb, pottery coated with a tin layer was also found for the first time in the northern China. Although the body materials of figurines and wares from Xiang Mountain Han tomb were similar, their firing temperatures were obviously different because the temperatures for the figurines were higher than those of the wares. These results could provide new information regarding the development of technology for painted potteries.

Abstract:In order to explore the history and technology of lacquer manufacture in Chengdu, a batch of painted pottery objects unearthed in the first session of archaeological excavation the Xinyicun Site of Shierqiao district in Chengdu in 2010were analyzed via radiocarbon dating through accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS¹⁴C), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Optical Microscopy (OM), Micro Laser Raman Spectroscopy (MicroRaman) and XRay Fluorescence (XRF). The results of these studies showed these objects were probably used during from middle or late Western Zhou Dynasty to the Spring and Autumn period. The pottery was made of fusible clay, the black and red painting layers were Chinese lacquer mixed with carbon black and cinnabar (HgS), respectively. A layer of black lacquer was brushed on the whole surface of the pottery first and then the red paint was used to outline the pattern. These discoveries suggest that the lacquer craftsmanship in the Chengdu Plain can be dated back at least as far as the middle or late Western Zhou Dynasty.

Abstract:A layer of halolike layered corrosion products has been observed covering greenyellow glazed pottery fragments excavated from the Caocun kiln, Linzhang, Hebei. In order to determine the cause of this corrosion layer and provide a reference for future archaeological restorations, the products were analyzed by optical microscopy (OM), energy dispersive Xray fluorescence (EDXRF), Xray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (Raman) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the corrosion products could be divided into three layers, the upper was brown, the middle was golden yellow and the lower was silvery white. The white layer was mainly white lead and quartz. The storage environment of Caocun kiln was very wet, which led ions in the glaze and the soluble salts of carbonate from soil to precipitate on the surface. There was space between the sediment and glazed layer so that the water can dissolve . The process repeated itself and so the number of layers increased. When it reached a certain thickness, it presented a silverwhite luster due to the interference effects of the light. When the iron oxide content was high, it would be golden yellow or brown. At present, it is suggested that the term “silver glaze” should be removed as part of the historical record. Moisture and pollution should be avoided during storage.

Abstract:The Thousand Buddha Grotto is located in Sichuan north of Guangyuan and east of the Yangzi River. Currently, there are 54caves, 819niches and more than 7,0statutes preserved there. These are precious cultural heritage with very high art and research value. Seven samples of green pigment from the ThousandBuddha Grotto were analyzed by metallographic microscopy, polarized microscopiy, and Raman spectroscopy to determine its composition and constitution. It was found that green pigments from ThousandBuddha Grotto were synthetic atacamite and malachite. A small amount of emerald green was also found in the outermost layer, which may have been applied in recently for restoration. The history, characteristics and use of manmade copper trihydroxychlorides pigment and related substances, malachite and emerald green, in China are discussed in this article, which provides help to the later protection work.

Abstract:This article focuses on a technical study of decorative layers on five bronze statues dated to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, using photomicrography, scanning Electron microscopy with Xray microanalysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, polarized light microscopy, etc. Data from this research revealed the relationship between different layers and their compositional materials. They showed that on most statues, there are several layers of paint and that goldleaf was adhered by resin glue. Azurite was found, in most cases, on the head, but a few cases also on the gown; cinnabar usually was present under the gold but sometimes was found between paint layers; red lead mixed with white lead was applied on the hands and face as well as on the gown. In addition, atacamite was found on the surface of two statues.

Abstract:Grotto murals are a very precious cultural heritage. However,preservation of them has been threatened by damage caused by soluble salts. An indepth investigation of the mechanism of damage by soluble salts in murals is crucial for the prevention and treatment of this sort of damage. Both insitu surveys and laboratory simulation work are needed to fully understand this damage. This study, which is based on preliminary work by the Dunhuang Academy, diagnoses of mural diseases and knowledge of traditional crafts, proposes a standard method for preparing mural samples and successfully simulates the process of migration, the profile of soluble salt distribution and the degree of damage caused. The different physical properties of samples can be measured conveniently, and the results of the simulation generally agreed with actual situation data from the Mogao Grottoes.

Abstract:Detachment of murals is one of the most serious types of damage in Tibetan temples. Unlike the Potala Palace, the Tantric Temple is located in the Brahmaputra River valley where the environment is very humid. Capillary infusion of water into mural paintings is quite common due to varying underground water levels. Mixtures of potassium silicate and coal ash cannot be used as grouting material because they will cause murals detachments. In order to solve this problem, experiments were done both in the laboratory and onsite. It is found that a group of materials are made mainly by polyacrylic acid and blended with hydraulic lime mortar and clay can consolidate detached murals very well. The grouting material can prevent the mural salinization. The new materials tested should have extensive application to the restoration of wet murals in Tibet.

Abstract:Testing and analysis of several Ming (13681644C.E.) and Qing (16441911C.E.) Dynasty paintings and calligraphies revealed that most of the papers used in the mountings were made from bamboo fiber or had bamboo fiber content. Different kinds of paper were used at different stages. In addition, rice paper (xuan paper) was also used for mounting. These results agreed with records in historical documents.

Abstract:To better understand the degree of damage to two Ming Dynasty polychrome wood carvings at Shenzhen Museum, as well as the materials and processes used to make them, and to provide a scientific basis for their conservation and repair, they were examined by superdepth 3dimensional video microscopy, micro infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Xray diffraction, Xray fluorescence, etc. It was concluded that the wood used for the carvings belongs to the family Lauraceae Juss, possibly a species of Cinnamomum Schaeffer. The coatings are polychrome layers. The wood was first coated with a layer of lime, then a textile layer was added. Pigments were applied on the textile layer. Finally, a coating film was brushed on to protect the paintings. The lime layer is plaster and the textile is cotton fabric. Most pigments used are mineral pigments. The blue pigment is ultramarine, the black is carbon black and the golden colour is copper powder. However, the red material is a plant dye madder root dye. The surface protection film is a modern alkyd resin. A large number of fungal spores and hyphae were found on rotted wood areas and on surface paint layers. It can be concluded that fungi are one of major causes of the wood decay. This study provides a foundation for a better understanding and scientific protection of polychrome wood carvings.

Abstract:Dulan, in Qinghai province is located on the South Route of the ancient Silk Road. A large number of Sui and Tang Dynasty silver and gold ornaments were excavated from the Tubo tombs of Dulan. Among these ornaments, one Sogdian silver belt coated with a gold alloy characterized by ornamentation with a defined figure and roundels is special because the figure has the features of a Sogdian person. The belt is of great significance for the study of Eastern and Western cultural exchanges. But the gold and silver pieces were seriously corroded and in serious need of protection treatment and scientific investigation. The object was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and Xray diffraction. The results showed that the ornament has a silver body coated with a goldsilver alloy. The silver body heavily eroded to silver oxide, which may be due to the high salt environment. The results provided theoretical support to the study and conservation of relics from Tubo tombs.

Abstract:It is necessary to assess the current conditions of silk textiles before a conservator starts a conservation job. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and amino acid analysis (AA) were used to characterize and compare modern silk and Tang Dynasty beige silk socks from Astana tombs．The Astana silk socks were very fragile when compared with modern silks. It was found that the appearance and molecular structure of the Tang Dynasty silk socks had changed significantly. The appearance of fiber was rougher and the texture was less compact. The thermal decomposition temperature of ancient silk dropped. In addition, the amino acid composition changed significantly, too. In particular, the aspartic acid and tyrosine content were about 30% lower. The textile had also lost its strength. The results indicated that the current state of preservation of the silk stocks is not satisfactory and that immediate conservation is needed.

Abstract:With the aim of conserving the Ruguanyao kiln site at Qingliang Temple at Baofeng in Henan Province, related domestic and international studies were reviewed and an enhancement plan based on an analysis of the causes of decay was selected. A systematic experiment was carried out taking into account relevant information such as properties of the consolidation materials, the soil sampling process, consolidation procedures, environmental effects and inlab and infield ageing tests. Test results show that MH is suitable for the preservation of Ruguanyao kiln site. The experimental procedures used can help to formulate unified testing procedures and standard indicators of assessment, thus allowing test results to be better compared.

Abstract:The drawing of archaeological sites is important for the field of archaeology. On the one hand, information at various stages of excavation of archaeological sites should be preserved; on the other, excavation of the sites should not be interrupted. Therefore, this topic has always been explored by archaeologists. The archaeological excavation of the acrobatics figurines pit (K9901) of Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum was used as an example to record the site information for future archaeological studies and cultural relic protection. Aiming for large scale archaeological projects, a method of digital close range photogrammetry was developed for application to field archaeology mapping. The threedimensional parameters at certain control points during excavation of relics site were obtained using electronic total stations. The multistrip sequence images of the archaeological excavation site were taken using a nonmetric digital camera. Using the digital photogrammetry method, a digital elevation model (DEM) and a digital orthophoto map (DOM) can be obtained that reflected the distribution of the objects in the excavation site. The contour lines of the relics from the orthophoto images were used to construct an orthographic vector graph of the archaeological excavation site. It recorded the positions of the relics and their shape and distribution. This experiment showed that it was possible to obtain, rapidly, highly precise digital maps of large archaeological sites. The method is worth applying to other similar projects.

Abstract:In recent years the study of biodeterioration of wall paintings has caught attention of numerous relics conservators. In addition, there has been great progress in methods for protecting such paintings. This paper first describes biological factors causing biodeterioration, then reviews recent achievements in research on the prevention of wall painting biodeterioration. Five factorssmall animals, insects, plants, microbes and human visitorsare considered, and their effects on the wall paintings are discussed. Protection methods and future research are also discussed. The key to prevent damage by small animals is keeping them out by physical methods; for insects, elimination of the plants that insects rely on is important, as is controlling the insects that feed on other insects; for microorganisms, certain inorganic materials that can prevent the growth of microorganisms can replace currently used biocides; for plants, how to get rid of harmful plants and make use of beneficial plants is the focus of future research; for visitors, the use of replicas or digital images is an effective measure. This research will provide important guidance for scientific conservation of wall paintings.

Abstract:In order to improve methods for preservation and storage of museum cultural relics, research to explore the use of acidfree cardboard was conducted. A modern cutting machine was used to make acidfree paper boxes for storage of cultural relics. The process for manufacturing the boxes was outlined, depending on the storage requirements of the relics. This article provides information and suggestions for improvements in the microenvironments of relics and for making noncorrosive packages.

Abstract:The Shanghai Museum has been entrusted by Xiamen Overseas Chinese Museum to restore its precious collection of paintings and calligraphies, which includes a silk scroll named “Prince Chen's Sevencharacter couplet in running script”. The heart of this scroll had aged with time and become brittle. In addition, several serious break marks, creases and cracks could be found on it. The scroll hearts had became empty and were lost. The handwriting on it was worn and ink was missing. The aforementioned serious damage seriously affected possibilities for display. This artwork was in great need of proper repair. Because this artwork was written on thin silk, repair methods only after a lot of research work were adopted. In order to keep the original ink, the original supporting paper was also kept. Traditional painting and calligraphy repair methods were used. The scroll was cleaned and glued, and the heart of scroll was reinforced temporarily. The backing paper was then removed and the scroll was mounted. Missing ink was repaired and then the heart of the scroll heart was replaced and creases and tears were consolidated using paper strips. Ultimately, the expected results were achieved:the silk scroll was restored to its original appearance.

Abstract:Paper cultural relics are fragile and therefore very few are preserved today. The older the paper, the rare they are. Paper relics are very precious and the preservation and research on paper relics is of great significance. Routine analysis of the properties of paper usually damages them. Noninvasive and microinvasive methods need to be more fully explored. This article introduces the physical properties of paper, fiber morphology and the papermaking process. Scanning electron microscopy and other analytical methods are described. Noninvasive and minimally invasive analysis methods on paper cultural relics can yield information about composition, the period when they were made, the process of manufacture, the degree of pounding of the pulp and the fiber ratios.