Abstract:As a new temporary consolidation and extraction material in archaeological excavation, menthol has been used successfully in the No.1 pit at Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum. However, it is necessary to investigate related safety issues. In this paper, the safety issues related to applying menthol to relics from the No.1 pit of Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site were assessed. The site soil and polychrome lacquer were analyzed. The pore configuration of the site soil, the polychrome lacquer surface morphology and the cracks in the polychrome lacquer before and after treatment with menthol were compared. Whisker growth on the substrate during menthol sublimation was observed and discussed whether it is hazard to fragile remains. A GCMS method was used to analyze the residue left from methanol treatment. The recrystallization on the relics is discussed during the evaporation of menthol. Overall this study showed that the physical structures of site soil and polychrome lacquer were unchanged. So it is safe to use menthol on unearthed polychrome relics in the Qinshihuang’s Terracotta Army site.

Abstract:To effectively protect Chinese ancient timber buildings, three types of twolayer toukungs(wood brackets)—an intermediate set, a column set and a corner set—from the Taihe Palace of the Forbidden City, were taken as examples to study their bearing performance under vertical loads. Based on structural characteristics of the toukungs, 1∶2 ratio models were built, on which vertical loading experiments were carried out. Information regarding modes of damage, internal forces and deformation of the toukungs were recorded. Then a vertical stiffness model for the toukungs was calculated and developed. The results show that under vertical loads, the top layer of the toukungs could be easily damaged. Compared to the underparts, the upper parts of the toukungs bear more forces. For different toukungs, it is found that the maximum bearable forces vary as follows:intermediate set ＜ corner set ＜ column set, for ultimate bearing capacity; column set ＜ corner set ＜ intermediate set,for deformation; and corner set ＜ column set ＜ intermediate set, for ductility. Under vertical loads, the calculated model for toukung vertical stiffness can be simplified and in lined with threepart polygonal lines.

Abstract:Epoxy resins are among the most commonly used bonding materials to be used in the field of national cultural relics protection. However, people have often found that the epoxy resins have some problems once aged:discoloration, embrittlement and peeling. In order to understand the aging mechanism of epoxy, to determine the influence of material composition, and to determine the optimal formula and environmental factors, a series of experiments were done. A generic epoxy resin as the main agent was taken and mixed with other components such as hardener and diluents and then made into a bonding material. Then the bonding material samples were exposed to environmental conditions that simulate extreme natural conditions. The aging process and mechanisms of the typical epoxy resin bonding materials deduced from repeated, cyclic destructive experiments are discussed.

Abstract:To evaluate the influence of site soil on damage caused by soluble salts, the “Acrobat figures” pit in the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum were used as an example. The site environment, including temperature and humidity and the water content, salt types, soil components were surveyed.To do the research, density and clay content were selected as two important properties of soil. Simulation studies using blocks of soils having various densities and clay contents were designed. The blocks were subjected to specific temperature and humidity cycling conditions to investigate how these two factors affect the damage caused by the salt. It is found that when soil density and clay content change, the damage caused by the changes accordingly. The results with the damage caused salt at the “Acrobat figures” site were compared and the damage degree and risks were evaluated.

Abstract:Multispectral photography technology can be used as a nondestructive method to extract information from textiles. A multispectral imaging system and a micro spectrometer were used to identify and record the damaged textures and blurred ink writings on a piece of an imperial edict dated to eighth year of the Zheng De Emperor (Ming dynasty, 1513 AD).It is found that the multiple wavelengthIR spectrum is very useful for identifying the ink writings. In combination with spectral analysis, the method could extract both textile color and texture information, especially when the textile colors are complicated and unidentifiable by the naked eye. The information soobtained could be used to complete and supplement the information on the textile relic. Multispectral photography is a practical and nondestructive method to extract information from ancient textiles.

Abstract:In order to reveal the scientific connotation of alum gelatin solution who is widely used in curing Xuan paper, the solidification and ink droplets shading experiment were performed to investigate the roles of alum; the effect and synergistic reaction of glue and alum were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), highfield ²⁷AlNMR spectroscopy (²⁷AlNMR) and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATRFTIR); the negative impact of alum was discussed through damp and heat aging test. The results showed that:1) As a drypromoter, alum could accelerate the glue agglomeration and solidification; as a softener, alum could increase glue elasticity. 2) Alum could also be used as retention aid, played the role of ink droplet retention. When paper treated by alum gelatin solution, the performance of antiink droplets scattering was better than pure glue or alum; If only existed glue without alum, the ink would float on paper and it was easy to leak ink for numbers of pores in paper.3) SEM, ²⁷AlNMR and ATRFTIR results showed that the gum and alum had synergistic reaction in improving hydrophobicity and ink droplets scattering property. Form of Al(H₂O)³⁺₆, AlSO⁺₄ and Al₃₀([Al₃₀O₈(OH)₅₆(H₂O)₂₄]¹⁸⁺, alum bonded together with hydroxyl or carboxyl from gelatin. The tight network structure they formed could improve the crosslinking and waterresistance of glue. Meanwhile, as a bridging role, Al ions could transform negative gelatin particle into positive charge, prompt gelatin particles deposited on the negatively charged fibers. 4) The greater the amount of alum, the stronger the acid, the paper was more brittle after ageing. So it was a serious threat to the life of paper. In summary, the study showed that the traditional alum gelatin solution played the role of drypromoter, softener and retention aid, but larger amount of alum made paper serious acidification. At last, it is suggested to develop a new kind of sizing agent to replace alum gelatin solution used in prior process.

Abstract:The chemical composition and microstructures of four faience beads from the Marquis Guo state Cemetery and dated to the Western Zhou to Spring and Autumn periods, were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive Xray (SEMEDX) and a Raman microspectroscope. Little flux in the matrix of the interaction layer of the beads due to aging was found. Analysis of the microstructures indicated that the main colorant element used in the glaze is copper. In addition, the hydroxyapatite on the outer layer of the beads was probably derived from the dead body (bones), and the cinnabar came from the basement of the tomb.

Abstract:In 1996, a large number of Buddhist statues were excavated at Longxing Temple in Qingzhou, Shandong Province. Magnificently carved, carefully covered with gold foil and enriched with paintings, these statues represent some specific features of the Buddhist art. However, they were damaged because of being buried for a long time, and for other reasons, and the painting layers had faded and thinned and the statues had become slightly warped. In order to understand the materials and the technology used for making the paintings, paint samples from the statues were studied by Raman microspectroscopy, scanning electron microscopyenergy dispersive spectroscopy (SEMEDS) and polarizing microscopy. The results revealed that the ground layer was mainly lead white(Pb₃(OH)₄CO₃), while the pigments used in red painting layer were identified as a mixture of cinnabar (HgS) and lead white. In addition, the fragmented status stones were analyzed using polarizing microscopy. It turned out that the major minerals of the stones are mud limestone with iron carbonate (FeCO₃), dolomite and biological remains.

Abstract:D strata modeling was used first by geologists and then by archeologists. The method is a way to get information that shows spatial relationships which could not be seen in 2D pictures and to support future archaeological research efforts. This technique was used to get a 3D strata model that meets the specific needs of the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum. This work provides new insights and methods for the archaeological work at the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum.

Abstract:Cleaning is a very important step in the restoration of cultural relics. Pottery material is fairly loose. It is a big challenge to clean early excavated potteries having complicated burial environments. Black stains were found all over a Han Dynasty female polychrome pottery figurine, seriously reducing its aesthetic value. After a survey of the object’s condition, traditional cleaning methods were tried, but the results were not satisfying. Laser cleaning techniques were then tried on different areas of the pottery figurine. The LQS mode was chosen with an energy of 150mJ, a frequency of 3Hz, and a spot size of 3~4mm. In some areas cleaning was effective, but in other areas it was not. The different effects were due to the relationship between the black stains and the base of the object, as well as the the energy of the laser. Laser cleaning turned out to be useful for potteries in certain cases, and could be used with other cleaning methods to achieve optimal results.

Abstract:In order to protect and repair bronze drums, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive Xray (SEMEDX) were used to analyze six bronze drums from Shanglin County, Guangxi. These drums are dated to a period from the Eastern Han Dynasty to the Southern Dynasties. The studies suggested that 1) these six bronze drums are made from a CuSn Pb alloy; 2) they were made by casting molding; 3) the modeling methods include both the mud and lost wax methods. This is the first report on the alloy composition and casting method used for cold water washed bronze drums. Therefore, this paper provides information for future research on the technology of bronze drums of a similar type.

Abstract:Exported oil painting is an important part of Chinese painting and occupies a special place in the history of Chinese painting. Digital microscopy, Xray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Xray spectroscopy (SEMEDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were applied in this research to analyze the physical appearance, state of conservation, and composition of oil paints from a Qing Dynasty export oil painting. The results indicate that the red pigments are mainly cinnabar with minor amounts of red ochre; the blue pigment is Prussian blue; the yellow pigments are mainly orpiment and mars yellow; and the white pigment is lead white. Furthermore, it was observed that some paint layers are cracking and lifting. Thus this research can provide valuable information for effective art protection and restoration. This information about artists’ materials and painting techniques is valuable for art history research.

Abstract:The Grand Canal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. The Alan Guild hall, as an important canal cultural relic, also became a world heritage site. The last maintenance work was done here over fifteen years ago in 2001. The buildings have visible damage, particularly the purlin beams in the south of the central room of the rear hall. Accidents can happen at any time. There was an urgent need for repair work this year. According to the regulations for protection of cultural relics, repair work should maximize preservation of the building units, following the principle of maintaining current status and minimal intervention. Therefore, a method that would not damage the roof ridges was adopted when the purlin beams and the rear gold column were replaced. This minimal intervention method was successful. It is a new approach by the Ningbo municipal government to maintenance of ancient building beams and critical columns.

Abstract:In order to understand the status of preservation of current historical relics, a complete system of wireless sensors was built in the Tianjin Museum to monitor the microenvironment inside showcases in January, 2015. Monitoring parameters included the temperature and relative humidity of the air, the light intensity, the ultraviolet radiation and the concentrations of air pollutants inside the showcases. Based on the insitu test results, some critical issues relevant to monitoring and control of the preservation environment of historical relics were evaluated and analyzed. Results showed that the individual showcases had a relatively high humidity ranging from 60.4% to 63.3%, which is not good for preservation of historical relics. It was suggested that hygroscopic materials should be used to control the humidity in the showcases. The illuminance was 1.84lx when the museum closed; when the museum opened, the illuminance and ultraviolet radiation intensity ranged from 43.96 to 52.22lx and from 0.02 to 0.06μW/cm², respectively, which meet the requirements of the Code for Lighting Design of Museums (GB/T 23863—2009).The carbon dioxide concentration in the exhibition hall was affected by the number of persons present, reaching a maximum at 12∶00~14∶00 and then decreasing. The cumulative phenomenon of volatile organic compounds concentration was found in the showcases. The results can provide reference for improving the protection level of cultural relic.

Abstract:The murals repaired were unearthed in an early Northern Song Dynasty tomb. These murals have great academic value and provide valuable information about early Song Dynasty tomb mural materials in Handan, even in Hebei. The method used to protect and restore the murals was not the commonlyused overall interception or relocation method, but the method of cutting bricks. The method preserved the integrity of cultural relics structure, and protected the safety of the mural, but also provided the second repairment space for the future.