Abstract:Soil, one of the most important building materials, is being used even now. In the course of understanding and mastering the performances and characteristics of different environmental soils by human beings, a rich variety of earthen architectural sites have been created. Based on documentary records and research results, this paper divides earthen architectural sites into five classes (i.e., raw soil, wattle and daub, rammed earth, adobe masonry and mud piled construction) and 15 subclasses by building technique on the basis of the investigation of preservation state, architectural form and structural feature of earthen sites and traditional building techniques. It also reveals that 1) the building techniques show a progressive developing evolution with the promotion by productivity growth and functional requirements, and 2) different building techniques have their respective features but interpenetrate to each other, which indicates building techniques are the embodiment of acclimatization and functional requirements and have certain regularity. This paper provides a basis for further study of early architectural forms and building techniques.

Abstract:Seepage control and reinforcement of grotto temples is an important measure for conservation of grotto statues. In recent years, along with the rapid economic development across the country, a large number of conservation projects for cultural relics in China have been implemented. However, follow-up studies of the effects of conservation on grotto temples remain relatively few. Hangzhou Feilaifeng statues, one of the national key cultural relics, have suffered from serious seepage diseases, which have resulted in damage and threats of damage. Since 2005, two stages of a conservation project have been implemented in the areas of Feilaifeng statues. Reinforcement of dangerous rocks, fracture grouting and surface seepage control have been included. Real-time tracking and evaluation of the seepage-control effects of the project is of important reference value for follow-up stages of the project and conservation of other similar grotto statues. Combining engineering data, on-site observations and measurement of seepage and analysis of seepage exudates, we made a tentatively quantitative evaluation of the seepage-control results after the second-stage conservation project. This work can provide a reference for evaluating the effects of conservation projects for grotto temples in rainy areas of southern China.

Abstract:Up to now, the analyses of painted cultural relics based on spectral imaging have mainly focused on pigment analysis, information enhancement and implicit information mining, etc. These imaging methods mainly use remote sensing image processing software. Considering the deficiency of specialized analytical methods for cultural relic data, we propose new spectral imaging-based applications and methods in the analyses of painted cultural relics. These include new applications of restoration area perception based on minimum noise fraction (MNF) rotation using region of interest analysis and fusion to mine implicit information of painted cultural relics and a new method of sketch extraction for painted cultural relics based on sparse non-negative matrix under-approximation. Through experiments on mural paintings, painted clay sculptures and hand-painted silk paintings from Tang tombs, it is found that 1) spectral imaging can effectively perceive mural restoration areas and that 2) the proposed new method can effectively mine hidden information and extract sketches based on spectral imaging. This research on the analyses of painted cultural relics is of great significance.

Abstract:In this study, a group of textiles excavated from a Qing Dynasty tomb in Shijingshan District, Beijing, were studied in terms of their dyes and dyeing methods. Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, and pioneering in China detailed comparison with recorded historical dye recipes, and colors and dye compositions of some textiles handed down from ancient times, we identified sappanwood, Chinese cork tree, a dye containing ellagic acid (probably from acorn cup) and indigo. In most samples, one or two dyes were identified. Only a few samples might have been dyed with three or more dyes. Different color shades were obtained through the same combination of dyestuffs but different amounts of the dyestuffs. Comparison results show for the first time that the same dye was used for textiles of different types and materials, and threads for different uses. The dyes and dyeing methods used for this group of textiles are consistent with the historical records and with the analytical results of historical textiles. This study is also the first successful dye analysis of excavated textiles of the Qing Dynasty. These results supplement historical textile dyeing records, contributing to research on dyeing history of the Qing Dynasty.

Abstract:As products reflecting the progress of human civilization, the Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, having the characteristics of large quantity, heavy weight, large size and high artistic value, have become a representative symbol of the culture of the Qin Dynasty and also a spiritual logo of Chinese civilization. In order to effectively and scientifically conserve and restore terracotta warriors, we selected six kinds of adhesives suitable for restoration of terracotta warriors based on comparative aging tests for common adhesives and comparative analysis of the physical and chemical properties between the adhesives and the pottery bodies of terracotta warriors. These adhesives were applied to the restoration of newly unearthed terracotta warriors; their performance appeared to be good. This research provides a reference for the further studies of restoration and conservation of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, as well as of other pottery cultural relics excavated archaeologically.

Abstract:In cultural relic restoration, especially in the repair of defective parts of ancient silk paintings and calligraphy, it is almost impossible to prepare homologous silk for repair. Normally, new silk has to be used instead for repair; however, since new silk differs greatly from the original one in strength, color and fiber thickness, it may easily cause further damage to the original rather than achieve a desired effect of repairing it. Considering this problem, this article introduces Japan’s artificially deteriorated silk and its application, based on the idea and principle of “repairing the old as the old” and my experience in repairing ancient paintings during study in Japan. This work aims to provide a reference and some new thoughts for protection and restoration of ancient Chinese paintings and calligraphy.

Abstract:Yongle Palace was built from 1247 to 1368 in memory of Lyu Dongbin and was originally located in Yongle Town of Ruicheng County, Shanxi Province. Murals of the palace have gone through many natural disasters and repairs over the last more than 700 years and also experienced integral removal and relocation of the palace in 1960s. Recently the paint layers of murals have been suffering from some common diseases, such as flaking, losses and powdering, etc. Besides, there are also cracks and shelling of the paint on the seam lines, and pollution and color changes on some painting surfaces. Because the murals were largely influenced by removal and extensive restoration, great changes have taken place on the murals both superficially and internally. To some extent, a few of the mural fragments remaining from the removal project can represent the authenticity of Yongle Palace murals. These fragments are important and valuable evidence for studying original materials and technology of the murals. A series of analyses, including optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), etc., were conducted on the micro-samples from 11 pieces of mural fragments from Yongle Palace, in a preliminary study of the painting materials and technologies. The identified materials and the stratigraphy of both plaster and paint layers can effectively provide basic data for the scientific conservation and further study of Yongle Palace murals.

Abstract:In order to conserve and restore an ancient ship from Banjing River in Taicang, and also to understand the process of its building, we examined 31 samples of wood taken from the hull keel, bulkhead, tank floor, side plate, stern baffle, diagonal bracing wood, reinforcing material, sill and fender of the ship. The results show that the timbers used in this ancient ship are of five species: Cunninghamia lanceolata, Pinus massoniana, Cinnamomum camphora, Liquidambar formosana and Cupressus funebris. These tree species grow widely in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The timbers were locally sourced and are suitable for the hull.

Abstract:Since the excavation of the tomb of Marquis of Haihun, there has been no report on the species of wood used for wooden artifacts and relics in the tomb. In order to investigate their timber characteristics, we took samples and identified the species. The results show that the outer coffin of the tomb was made of Phoebe zhennan and the coffin chamber door was made of Cupressus funebris. The funerary lacquerware obeserved were all made of woods belonging to Lauraceae family, which indicates local regional characteristics.

Abstract:Tibet Museum has a rich and distinctive collection of cultural relics. However, due to historical conditions and other reasons, pests have been always existing and causing hazards to cultural relics. Pests in Tibet Museum were analyzed through detection and investigation in this work, based on which I explain the importance of pest prevention and control to protect the cultural relics, as well as discuss the hazard and population characteristics of pests, and the necessity and urgency of prevention and control of pests in this paper. According to the current situations of Tibet Museum, experts and professional companies were invited to propose pest control plans for storerooms and exhibition halls. Then experimental treatments were carried out in some storerooms and exhibition halls that were suffering from serious pest damages. Overall fumigation control was applied in the storerooms without moving any cultural relics, and overall disinfection control was done in the exhibition halls. Both treatments achieved satisfactory results. Through the process and effects of experimental treatments, we have a new understanding of chemical control which shows safety, speediness, efficiency, convenience and practicability. At the same time, I make some suggestions on the protection of cultural relics based on my many years’ work experience.

Abstract:In the process of passive sampling of pollution gases in the microenvironment of museums, passive samplers often have high blank values and are easily contaminated. In order to solve these problems, we carried out blank analyses on sample bottles, extraction bottles and other components of samplers involved. Also, we investigated the influences of different sample preparation and extraction environments, as well as filter papers dried at different temperatures, on the blank values of samplers. Finally, the sources of different contamination ions in the sampler were identified,the control scheme was put forward and the method of sample preparation was optimized. The overall blank value was effectively reduced and the probability of contamination was reduced from about 30% to 5%. The study provides reliable technical support for the methodology of sampling and analysis of pollution gases in museums.

Abstract:Due to many years’ exposure to natural elements, the bricks of some ancient buildings are undergoing severe weathering damage, and there is an urgent need to repair and reinforce them. In experimental tests, we studied the influence of firing temperatures on the physical and mechanical properties of fired red bricks; the results of these studies provide a theoretical reference for the restoration and conservation of ancient buildings. Clay bricks with a side length of 5 cm were made by hand, using a mold, and were fired in a high temperature furnace at temperatures of 700 ℃, 800 ℃, 900 ℃, 1 000 ℃ and 1 100 ℃, to make red bricks. Then the bulk and particle densities, open and total porosities, water absorption, saturated water absorption, capillary water absorption coefficient, longitudinal wave velocity, pore size distribution and uniaxial compressive strength of these bricks were tested. The results show that the firing temperatures affect the physical and mechanical properties, but that these properties do not improve with an increase of firing temperatures. When the firing temperature is 1 100 ℃, the performance of the bricks is optimal. When the firing temperature is 800-900 ℃, the performance of the bricks is moderate. When the firing temperatures are 700 ℃ and 1 000 ℃, the performance of the bricks is poor. Finally, reasons for the poor physical and mechanical properties of the red bricks fired at 1 000 ℃ were analyzed.

Abstract:Having been under the sea for many years, ancient cultural relics have adapted to the surrounding chemical, physical and ecological environments, and have achieved a balanced state of preservation. In this paper, we summarize the impact of underwater burial environments on cultural relics, and elaborate on the protection methods applied at various types of underwater cultural heritage sites (e.g. ancient shipwrecks, settlement sites) by developed countries, and discuss their related research results. We hope that this paper will provide references for relevant research work implemented in China.

Abstract:In order to understand the status of research on binders in ancient painted cultural relics, we collected research papers on binders (e.g. proteinous binders, plant gums, drying oils, natural resins and natural waxes) commonly used for this purpose based on the core database of the Web of Science. We also made a quantitative analysis of the publishing year, index database, journal, author, research institution, citation frequency and impact factors. In addition, we collected research papers written by Chinese scholars in order to understand the research status and development level of binders not only internationally but also domestically. Finally, we also did a statistical analysis of the burgeoning use of immunoassay for the detection of binders in painted cultural relics, so as to understand the potential of immunological methods for identification of proteinous binders in painted cultural relics.

Abstract:As an important part of human cultural heritages, archaeological wood is considered to be extremely valuable; it therefore requires careful attention, conservation and study. In this paper, we discuss research results of multi-parameter detection (morphology, physics, chemistry) applied to evaluate the state of preservation and the mechanism of corrosion of archaeological wood on a microscopic scale. Then we introduce the evaluation of archaeological wood in terms of cell morphology, physical pore structure, chemical components, molecular structure and molecular weight. We also comprehensively describe various characterization methods for detecting these parameters, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), etc. In addition, we analyze both the advantages and disadvantages of the different characterization methods in detail, and demonstrate the feasibility and importance of multi-parameter detection for characterizing the preservation status of archaeological wood. We hope that the macroscopic mechanical properties of wood could be explored on the basis of wood microscopic structure, which will be of great value in the protection of wooden cultural heritage objects and historical wooden buildings.