Abstract:The Gaogouli was an ancient local regime of the Northeastern China established in 37 B.C.(the West Han Dynasty) and was destroyed in 668 A.D. (Tang Dynasty).The regime lasted more than 700 years. Many vessels, weapons and other categories of bronzes have been excavated and collected. Whether or not the Gaogouli people independently smelted and cast bronze objects is a problem that has puzzled archaeologists and archaeometallurgists. All research on Gaogouli bronzes has focused on archaeological typology, but the technological details contained in these artifacts has not been revealed. This paper describes studies microstructure and technological characteristics of some ancient Gaogouli bronzes using metallographic methods and SEMEDX analysis. The evidence suggests that Gaogouli people could independently smelt copper and cast objects even though no metallurgical ruin has been discovered. The results of the investigation indicate that vessels, axes, mirrors and josses were made of bonze and cast in molds except a brass vessel. Forging was also used to shape copper into desire objects. Some artifacts contain titanium element. These findings provide hints as to the economic development of the Gaogouli people.

Abstract:When a bamboo slip becomes dehydrated and driedup, it deforms and the characters on the slip became unrecognizable. That kind of bamboo slip is of little value for archaeological studies. This paper focuses on the restoration of the dehydrated and driedup bamboo slips unearthed from Haihun Hou tomb etc. By comparing the sizes, components and micro mechanisms of a bamboo case before and after treatment, it is found that the size of the bamboo case can be restored to 98% of its original size, although the chemical composition in the bamboo did change when the dehydrated and driedup bamboo case was soaked in solutions of alkali and surfaceactive agents for a period of time. This method can be used to restore dehydrated and driedup bamboo slips to a waterlogged condition. Moreover, the method does no damage to the characters on the slips.

Abstract:The colored paintings of Changshu Caiyitang are outstanding representative of the architectural color paintings from south of the Yangtze River. However, some of the painting colors did not correlate with the colors in some traditional patterns. In order to identify the blue pigments, a comprehensive study employing microscopy, laser Raman spectrography and Xray fluorescence analysis were done;included in this study is prior preliminary work. The results show that a blue organic pigment (indigo) and a mineral pigment (azurite) were both used in the Caiyitang color paintings. Only indigo, used as a background color, was preserved, resulting in an apparent mismatch with colors in traditional patterns.

Abstract:Experiments were done to exam the inhibitory effect of enzymeson erosive filamentous fungi in the soil, word walls and canoes at the Crosslake Bridge ruins in Xiaoshan. Classical methods were used to separate and identify the fungi, and the suitable concentrations of antifungal reagents were investigated. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Penicilliumpatulum and Penicillium cyclopium were found in the air. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium cyclopium, Penicillium patulum, Penicilliumnigricans, Paecilomycesvarioti and Cladosporium were found in the soil. Aspergillus versicolor was found on the wordwall, and Cladosporium on the canoe. The different filamentous fungi have different reactions and tolerances to the enzyme reagents. Chitinasecan inhibit only the growth and development of filamentous fungi, while the composite synergies of chitinase and glucanase resulted in more effective inhibition.

Abstract:To evaluate the fading of dyed silk scientifically, and to provide valuable lighting design suggestions to museums that exhibit this sort of artifact, light aging tests were designed to study the photodegradation effects of different lighting sources. The light fastness of silk dyed with natural plant yellow dyes (berberine and pagoda tree buds) was tested under three commonly used museum lighting sources (LED lamp, fluorescent lamp and halogen lamp). Chromatic difference analysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to analyze the silk samples after light exposure. The results show that the halogen lamp cause the least fading of the dyed yellow silk samples, i.e., lower than the common LED lamp and the fluorescent lamp. The main components of the dyes before and after light aging were analyzed by HPLC, and degradation mechanisms are proposed.

Abstract:Environmental temperature and humidity are key factors to consider in the fight to protect cultural relics.This work presents research carried out to monitor the temperature and humidity of sealed and open caves in the northern area of the Mogao Grottoes (cave no.132). The effect of sealing on the caves’ temperature and humidity could thereby be deduced. By actively condensing the vapor present, the main sources of water in the caves could also be determined.In open caves, the temperature and humidity changes as the external atmosphere varies. The difference between the daily temperatures inside the open cave compared to that of the outside is relatively small.Wet weather significantly affects the cave’s humidity. Temperature and humidity in the cave are therefore mainly controlled by the outside weather variations.Sealing the cave effectively eliminates the influence of these daily fluctuation. Sealing leads to an apparent increase of the humidity of the air in the cave, which indicates that water vapor arising from the surrounding rock must be entering the caves. A cave sealed for a long time has a relative humidity sufficiently large to activate salt movement, which will cause harm to the murals.However, installation of a condensationdehumidification temperaturehumidity control system in a sealed cave can control the temperature and humidity quite effectively. The condensed water collected in the cave validates the presence of the water vapor sources in surrounding rock. The research presented provides new ideas for exploring the ways of protectinga cave’s cultural relics.

Abstract:Metakaolin is a type of high activity, manmade volcanic ash material, formed by high temperature heating of dehydrated kaolin a certain ratio good quality high alumina clinker, anhydrite and other inorganic materials. It is an expansion agent that has properties of being anticracking and water resistant. During a study on “Yangshao Concrete”, it is found that when metakaolin is added into hydraulic lime(contained in calcinated ginger nut), the strength of the stone body formed by the hydraulic lime could be improved significantly; however, the shortcoming is a big distortion due to shrinkage. This paper describes a study of“Yangshao Concrete”, aimed at using it for consolidation of the cracks in the conglomerate grottoes, by studying in the laboratory different ratios metakaolin and the expansion agent AEA to hydraulic lime of calcinated ginger nut, in order to learn the basic properties of the mixture, e.g., fluidity, setting time, shrinkage and strength on aging. Suitable grouting materials and ratios are selected to treat the cracks of sandstone grottoes.

Abstract:The LingZhao Veranda in the Forbidden City is a historical building, built of steel and masonry parts. To protect the building effectively, the windinduced responses of the building were studied by digital simulation. Based on its structural status, a finite element model of the LingZhao veranda was built. Then the basic frequency and main vibration modes were calculated. After applying a fluctuating wind pressure over a period equivalent to 50 years in thedirection, the vibration responses were analyzed, and the safety status of the whole structure was evaluated. The results show that the basic frequency of the structure is f=5.75Hz; its main modes vibratein both x and ydirections. Under conditions offluctuating wind, the structure keeps vibrating at a stable rate. However, peak acceleration values on the top of the structure are quite large. Compared with the steel parts, the masonry parts of the building are more proneto damage because of tensile strength failure. The different responses to wind require attention during daily maintenance.

Abstract:A systematic study of the conservation technology was done with the aim of protecting a Ming Dynasty stone arch bridge, the Jin Hu Bridge,in Nanjing.First, based on an onsite survey of Jin Hu Bridge, a preliminary analysis of the damage was done to Jin Hu Bridge and the visible causes of this damage. Then, the hidden structural safety hazards and the importance of various structural parts were studied using the ANSYS finite element method, a structural performance simulation analysis. Finally, simulation results were combined with onsite damage survey to propose a suitable conservation plan for protecting Ming Dynasty stone bridge. The results obtained can be applied to the repair and enhancement of similar ancient stone bridges.

Abstract:Appropriate methods for protection of Tang Dynasty silk socks from Astana, Xinjiang, were chosen based on their state of preservation. First, the fibroin consolidation method was adopted to improve the silk socks’ resistance to stress and strain.Then,the needle and thread method was used to conserve the socks. Ahabotai(plain woven silk)of similar thickness was chosen as the backing material.Finally, several stitch patterns were used to repair and to recover the shape of the silk socks. In this way, the silk socks were well protected.

Abstract:In this paper, digital video microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive Xray, Raman spectroscopy, and XRay Fluorescence were used to study the microcorrosion morphology,alloy composition,metallurgical structure and phase and elemental composition of a Han Dynasty thin bronze mirror excavated from the Liushugou Cemetery in Hubei Province. The degree of corrosion,material,metallurgical structure and type of surface corrosion were determined. Based on the results,it is tried to restore the original look of the object by cleaning, spot welding, bonding, completing the missing part, balancing the color and coating with protective materials.

Abstract:This article was aimed at understanding the relationship between environment, resources and human behavior in an ancient iron smelting site using the Geographic Information System (GIS). The Dazhuangke area, at Yanqing County, Beijing, has four iron smelting sites and several iron deposits that turn out to be a suitable case for the study. According to the significance of environment and resources factors that had impact on smelting activities, the quantitative relationship between the sites distribution and the geographic characters of small area within the scope of the site were established. The study suggests that the sites were strongly dependent on the geographic characteristics such as slope and the height. Most smelting sites were concentrated in the areas with low slope (below 7°) and low altitude (below 650 meters). The relationship between the sites and rivers is close because rivers could provide access to water resources and facilitate other activities. As the development of smelting furnace (i.e., production of iron smelting) grew, a short distance to the iron ore resource was not a high priority choice among small scale iron smelting sites. The results indicate that human production activities depended less on the resources.

Abstract:Paintings and colored drawings are one of the external manifestations of Chinese traditional ancient architectural art and play a vital historical role in the art of ancient architecture. They also protected, decorated and illustrated wooden components of buildings. Therefore, paintings and colored drawings are considered to be “the first protective line” for ancient architectural structures. This paper analyzes paintings and colored drawings from Jamyang Rinpoche’s mansion of Kumbum monastery. The art style and features of architectural paintings of Rinpoche’s house are also considered , including the subject and content, ornamentation and pattern, technology and materials of the paintings, as well as local structural features. Then the technology and structural characteristic of architectural paintings from Rinpoche’s mansion of Kumbum tantric Buddhist temple is discussed.

Abstract:Digitalpreservation of cultural heritage and artworks has become a common hot research area both in cultural and scientific communities all over the world, and it is an important part of the development of culture innovation and culture industry of our country as well. In order to get a better digital preservation of Foshan Shiwan Ceramic Art, which is among the first batch of nationalclass nonmaterial cultural heritage objects in China, the process of 3D scanning of reflective ceramic surfaces with noncontact optical 3D scanning equipmentis discussed. In addition, methods for acquiring and restoring surface textures were also studied, which allowed fullreconstruction and preservation of cultural heritage object. Finally, a way to promote cultural heritage content digitally is also proposed, and a practical example is given.

Abstract:Major difficulties and issues encountered in composing a standard document“Control of the Museum Environment:Formaldehyde Adsorbent Materials”for providing standards for people who work on relics conservation are discussed in this paper. Specifically discussed are how to provide a standardized method to detect formaldehyde gas and how to characterize technical requirements and reasons for meeting certain technical criteria and main challenges during the editing process. The importance of selecting standard terminology, standardized processes, and scientific references to standards are described. It is also made suggestions for future research and improvements.

Abstract:Based on the data from CNKI (1955~2014), articles on the Chinese lacquerwares’ research were analysised,using bibliometric statistical methods.According to the distribution of the number of papers , publishing journals, authors,research topics and aspects, the analysis of development of Chinese lacquer cultural relics protection over the past 60 years was done, hoping to promote the further development. Results show that:dehydration of lacquer is the hot topic in the scientific conservation of lacquerware cultural relics. Multidisciplinary, multi institutional cooperation, basic research complement with applied research are the characteristics. Relevant factors and traditional repair technology research is the weak. More use of new technology, new equipment is the trend. The results of the study show that bibliometric methods applied on the lacquerware cultural relics research is feasible, and can provide method references to the study of other artifacts.

Abstract:Picking up fragile remains at archaeological excavation sites is a crucial step and greatly affects the safety and consequential conservation and restoration of the cultural relics.Therefore, a method for picking up needs to be scientifically sound, thoughtful, safe and effective. This paper illustrates the practical demands and challenges for picking up fragile remains at archaeological excavation sites and summarizes the principles and requirements regarding the materials used. Commonly used methods, such as those using gypsum, polyurethane foam, cyclododecane and menthol are discussed and compared. The technology and performance of each method is reviewed. The future development of this group of methods picking up objects is also included.

Abstract:Collotype printing is a traditional and sophisticated flat printing technique. Collotype printing has great advantage in its ability to reflect the original artistic features of ancient Chinese calligraphy and paintings because collotype is capable of printing complicated works, especially those that display the subtle touch and ink style of ancient Chinese calligraphy and paintings. By combining collotype printing with manual coloring, it can also improve the efficiency of copying paintings. The final product has great artistic value. The traditional collotype printing technique is a better method for copying Chinese painting artifacts.