Abstract:The Warring States tombs in the Majiayuan site are very important with regard to the study of the Chionite culture and the cultural exchange between the Qin and the Chionites. Some extremely mineralized silk textile fragments with intact fiber shapes were found on the surface of iron objects in the tomb M21 in the Majiayuan site. These mineralized crusts provide valuable information for studying the early silk weaving technology. In this study scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high performance liquid chromatographymass spectrometry (HPLCMS) was used to analyze the mineralized textile fragments. It is found that 1) the morphology of hollow in the mineralized textile was similar to that of a silk fiber, and 2) three groups of peptides characteristic of silk protein. The results demonstrated that the raw materials of the mineralized textile fragments in tomb M21 were silk fibers (from Bombyxmori). The excavation of silk at the MajiayuanSite suggests that the silk products or silk fibers had entered the Chionite regions and that the exchanges between the Chionite culture and Zhongyuan (inner land) culture were close. The use of silk to decorate or wrap iron objects indicates that the Chionite culture has been influenced by some Zhongyuan customs.This finding not only fills gaps in knowledge of the textile research at the Majiyuan site, but also provides technical support for the analysis mineralized silk textile relics.

Abstract:Caesalpinia sappan (sappan) is a commonly used ancient red vegetable dye. With the aim of protecting sappan wood dyed silk, the effect of light on fading was investigated by light aging tests.The lamps tested are those commonly used in museums, and include LED, fluorescent and halogen lamps. To evaluate the effects of both light and other environmental factors, a discoloration factor index system is established. The results show that the discoloration effect of LED lamps is greater than the effects of conventional halogen and fluorescent lamps; the discoloration effect of low color temperature is slightly less than that for high color temperature lighting; also the higher the illuminance, the bigger the discoloration effect.Other environmental factors also have a great influence on discoloration. The use of suitable halogen,or low color temperature fluorescent lamps and LED lighting for Caesalpinia sappan dyed silk showcases.The level of illumination of showcase lighting should be controlled. Meanwhile, other environmental factors in showcase can not be ignored.

Abstract:The composition and degree of degradation of unearthed silk relics vary, as do the dyes that color them. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right cleaning materials and techniques, case by case. The surface contamination of the relics was classified into the categories (oil, solid fats, soil and blood) and experiments were designed to optimize the composition of cleaning agents. Finally the natural surfactant, Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG), was selected as the basic recipe and a mild and efficient waterbased cleaning agent for cleaning the surface of silk artifacts was successfully developed. The rate of decontamination of the newly developed cleaning reagent is very highas high as 98% in some cases. Changes in silk tensile strength and the degree of fading are evaluated before and after cleaning. The results suggested there was little difference. The research provides a new way of thinking about the preparation of agents to clean unearthed silk relics.

Abstract:After burial for over two thousand years, the lacquered paint layer on the surfaces of polychrome potteries of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses always curve and peel off. The problem of reattaching these paint layers has been a focus as well as a challenge for art conservators. Based on observations from previous work done at the Mausoleum Site Museum on the subject, several key parameters that may affect the reattachment process were noted. These parameters include pottery body water content, PEG200 uptake rate, soluble salts content, clay attachment rate, painted layer water and PED content and temporary reattachment reagent composition. It is found that optimal reattachment results were obtaiined when 1) the pottery water content is below 5% and there was little PEG200 solution penetration; 2) the pottery itself is desalinated; 3) microlevel filler is mixed with the glue; 4) PEG200 content is gradually increased during the process; 5) the contemporary attachment agent is removed. All these treatments help the reattachment process, increase the attachment strength and protect against aging. This research provides information regarding insitu conservation of polychrome relics.

Abstract:The reinforcement of earthen sites always focuses on quality of the anchor system. Currently, pullout testing is the only way to test earthen site anchor systems. This research used nondestructive testing technology for the first time to evaluate glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) anchor system in earthen sites.In the Hongshabao and Yongtaisites, in Gansu Province, GFRP anchor system in earthen sites was tested by using a nondestructive anchortesting instrument and a pullout apparatus.By comparing the actual measuring bolt length and instrument measuring bolt length, it is found that the length index is good at judging the validity of results measured using the nondestructive detector. In comparison with bolt pullout testing results, it is confirmed that the nondestructive method for testing GFRP anchor system in earthen sites is suitable and accurate. The results of nondestructive testing of GFRP anchor system of earth sites is proved to be accurate.

Abstract:In this study, both traditional colony counting and PCRDGGE (PCRDenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) technology were used to analyze the quantity and species characteristics of microorganisms in the microenvironment, Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum. The results showed that the species and quantity of cultivable microorganism in the air of the museum microenvironment was significantly higher in summer than in winter. Species of Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus、Pseudomonas and Advenella were found to predominate. In addition, Acinetobacter sp. and Micrococcus sp. were dominant in summer while Bacillus sp. predominated in winter. The results were helpful in terms of evaluating potential microbial pollution and to providing scientific evidence for preventive protection of exhibited or collected cultural relics in museums.

Abstract:Perennially suffering from weathering erosion and manmade damage, openair immovable cultural relics face severe problems.Present condition based trend prediction is part of the "preventive" protection concept. However, sometimes, because of uncertainty in the prediction method, little useful information is obtained.Traditional statistical probability methods and fuzzy comprehensive evaluations are not suitable for making prediction models. We used the Tang Dynasty Shunling Tianlu stone carvings in Shaanxi as examples for predicting fracture damage based on grey system theory. Two models, the GM(1,1) and the Verhulst models of settlement are presented. The grey coefficient and the development coefficient are calculated by ordinary least squares. Experimental results show that the average predicted relative errors for the two models are 6.23% and 4.40%, respectively,and meet the expectations of crack prediction accuracy. This research provides a quantitative basis for assessing the health of relics and for guiding future research.

Abstract:Copper inlaid bronzes were outstanding representatives of bronze art in the Spring and Autumn Period of China. The casting characteristics of the copper ornamentation can reflect the casting technology. Using visual observation and Xray imaging of the processing details, the casting characteristics of the coppercastbronzes unearthed from Xulou Village in Zaozhuang City have been investigated. Two types of copper ornamentations have been found. The first type has uniform thickness to vessel body, and second type has nonuniform thickness to vessel body. The uniform thickness copper ornamentations were fixed to the vessel body in two ways:as flat connection and grooved connection. The nonuniform thickness copper ornamentations were about half thickness to vessel body, and were also fixed to vessel body in two ways. In the first method, the copper ornamentations fixed to mold core using a copper nail. In the second case, the copper ornamentations were held in the mold using a bronze spacer. After casting, the copper ornamentations were fixed in the bronze body.

Abstract:Twentynine protoporcelain samples excavated from the Shigudun site in Tongling, Anhui Province,were analyzed in terms of their body and glaze chemical compositions. The results show that the bodies of the protoporcelain samples has a high silicon but low aluminum content, which could have come from a porcelain raw material that is abundant in southern Anhui. Some porcelain bodies have high Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ contents. The glazes are typical calcium glazes made at high temperature. The glaze has a high concentration of Mn and P, which could have come from wood and plant ash. Some glazes have high Fe₂O₃ content, which leads to a dark color. This research provides scientific information for the study of protoporcelain in the South Anhui area.

Abstract:The colored painting on the first door of the Taizhou Examination Hall was covered with varnish and lacquer. Due to ageing, the varnish had become yellow and was peeling, and the colored painting had become blurred. For better protection and display of the colored painting, the varnish and lacquer layers were removed from the painting by means of chemical swelling. Then an isolation membrane material was used to protect the original painting so that the restoration of the painting was on the isolation layer. Finally, the entire painting was sealed. The successful conservation and restoration of the colored painting on the first door of the Taizhou Examination Hall will provide a valuable reference for conservation of similar types of ancient architecture.

Abstract:This paper describes the identification of woods from the Qing Dynasty shipwreck, XiaobaijiaoⅠ in Ningbo, Zhejiang, based on plant anatomy and optical microspectroscopy. Published information on related subjects were collected and the characteristics of the wood were also analyzed. It is found that in addition to the earlier identified wood species, two new wood species Terminalia sp. and Decaspermum parviflorum, that had been used in construction of the ship. These two species of woods had not been reported in similar shipwrecks. The distribution and the classification of these species are described briefly in the paper.

Abstract:Iron relics excavated from the Weijiazhuang site contained high content of harmful chlorine salts, which threatened the safety of these cultural relics. After a series of experiments, 0.005 mol/L NaOH solution was selected for desalination. Direct immersion combined with alternating cooling and heating and ultrasonic treatment were used for container shaped iron relics. A 2%Primal AC33 solution was used for reinforcing iron weapons with sheath before desalination, and wood pulp was also used to remove salt in iron relics having traces of paint. As a result, the chlorine content of the iron was greatly reduced after desalination. The results were very satisfactory.

Abstract:In this study, wool textiles were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy to get supplemental morphology data to add to the archaeology research database. Then the samples from tombs in different geological layers were classified based on infrared testing results. The state of conservation of the samples and the influence of burial location on the samples were discussed. The results show that burial location has a great influence on the state of conservation of the samples. The major characteristics of wool deterioration are:cracks in the fiber (traverse section or longitudinal), the change in ratio of the amideⅡand amide I absorption peaks, and crystals formed on fibersdue to rain and groundwater.

Abstract:It is usual to hang a painting from a glass pressed situation or put down a hanging painting to a showing case under the glass. The process needs to be safe, quick and simple. Based on various requirements, physical models were used to design prototypes that could save time and lower the cost of mounting.Two patented devices were made for this purpose. These devices can be widely used in museums, exhibition halls, auction houses and so on.

Abstract:Those underwater archaeological objects were originally buried in underwater environments, which have resulted in serious damage. To conserve these objects, it is essential to fully understand the burial process and the mechanisms of damage formation and corrosion resulting from interaction between them and their surrounding environment. This research attempts to describe the marine underwater burial environment in terms of seawater, marine organisms and sediment. The paper also briefly lists and discusses China’s most commonlyseen types and causes of damage to ceramics, stone, metal and wooden artifacts.