• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.29
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• pp.33-46
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• 2023

Modern and contemporary cultural assets are defined as a collective term for tangible historical and cultural assets produced in the modern and contemporary period (around the opening of Joseon to the present) in Korea. Among them, rickshaws have been used as a major means of transportation for about 40 years since the opening of the ports in Joseon. The repair process for rickshaws divides the rickshaw into three parts, namely the body, the cover, and the wheels, applying a plaster treatment process by referring to the outcomes of the condition assessment and material analysis for the metal, wood, fiber, and paint used. Overall, the repair process is carried out through dry/wet cleaning, joining, stabilization, reinforcement of damaged parts, and other restoration treatments, which reveal metal decorations and patterns on the scaffolding (flowers, arabesque patterns, etc.) that were previously not observable with the naked eye, while also adding to the stability of the artifact. In addition, props were produced to ensure the artifact's safe exhibition.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.453-469
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• 2019

The celadon jar with inscription of 'the Fourth Sunhwa Year' is an important chronology that shows the conditions of production of the early celadon due to the inscription on the bottom including its purpose, application, and the producer. This celadon jar has been restored several times in the past. However, concerns over the structural stability, such as the separation and level differences in the joined cracks, have risen because of the aging of the repair materials, which were subjected to various environmental changes over a long time. By examining the conditions of preservation, the major damage was identified as the '入' shaped crack on the front, the 'V' shaped restored part and the crack on its left side, and the 'J' shaped crack on the back side. In the past, the cracks were found to be joined using a refined lacquer containing camphor, drying oil, rosin, etc. mixed with soil powder. The joint line was repainted with the refined lacquer and covered with gold powder. The missing parts were restored with gypsum and colored with acrylic color. After that, the repair materials were aged and emergency treatment was performed at the National Museum of Korea in 1981. At that time, Cemedine C or Cemedine C mixed with microballoons was used for reinforcing the cracks. Conservation treatment focused on removing the past repair materials and reinforcing the physically fragile parts by joining and restoring them based on the examination of the preservation condition. in addition, the area around the restored part was colored for future exhibition.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.220-237
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• 2021

This study carried out the conservation treatment for the mattress put on the bed, which is one of 4 items in National Folklore Cultural Heritage, the Red-lacquered Furniture with the inlaid mother-of-pearl design used by Empress Sunjeonghyo (presumed), after identifying the characteristics of the manufacturing techniques and the used materials. And the study intends to compare it with the mattress placed in the Daejojeong in the Changdeokgung Palace in order to identify the characteristics of mattresses domestically used during the 1920s and 1930s. From the analysis of the mattress presumably used by Empress Sunjeonghyo, it was identified that the mattress frame was made of pinaceous hemlock spruce while the webbing and twine in the structural parts were made of jute. The findings are as follows: the burlap had a filling material that was made of jute; the straw mat was made from Oryza; and, the rest of the filling material was cotton. Rayon was used for the top cover while cotton was used for the bottom. As a result of research on the materials and the inner structure, it was found that mattress was manufactured in the form of the upholstery style mainly found in chairs and day-beds in Western furniture. Based on analysis results, materials identical to the original were adopted during the conservation treatment. Next, the process of dismantling, cleaning, repair, reinforcement and assembling was conducted. During the dismantling process, the top cover was newly discovered and some letters (Yokohama, Kobe, and Joseon) were found in the burlap filling, but there was no trace which can clarify its maker or production place. dry cleaning was carried out on the structural parts, filling materials, and the cover, and then the repair and reinforcement were done, preserving the existing materials in the upholstery structure and using the same materials for conservation. The webbing in the structural parts was reinforced using materials identical to the original, and the twine was used for arranging and fixing the springs into wooden frames. For the damaged cotton cloth and burlap, reinforcement materials identical to the original were put over it and sown. For the damaged area of the top cover, reinforcement cloth was cut and then added inside and the damaged area was sown. Assembling was carried out in the reverse order of the dismantling. After the burlap identical to the original material was inserted into the areas in contact with the springs and then fastened, a filling pad, reinforcement cloth, a straw mat, cotton cloth, cotton felt, wide cotton cloth for protecting the cover, and the cover were layered and fastened with tacks. The two mattresses used by Empress Sunjeonghyo differed only by the period of production and followed the same Western upholstery style consisting of the frames, filling materials, and covers. During the conservation treatment process, a velvet cover was newly discovered and the traces of repair in the past were found. Furthermore, identifying straw mats, straw bags, and straws for filling material, this study confirmed changes in the materials used according to the production environment. In the future, it is expected to see changes in the conservation materials during the conservation treatment and manufacturing techniques used for chairs and sofas in the upholstery style belonging to the modern cultural artifacts.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.201-216
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• 2022

Materials and techniques used for two portraits (Jo-nyeon Lee and S ung-in Lee) of the Lee family from Seongju enshrined in Seongsan temple were scientifically analyzed, and based on the data, an optimal replica restoration method was designed. According to the expression technique investigation, both portraits were expressed mainly in line drawing, but there were differences in shoes, pupils, the color expression of flesh, overpainting, and traces of reinforcement. Pigment analysis revealed that a mixture of cinnabar and minium, organic pigment, azurite, malachite, lead white, and yellow pigment were used in common. In the case of Sung-in Lee's portrait, seokganju and atacamite were also used. In addition, comparison with the contemporaneous portraits of gentry showed that the portrait style at the time was found in the two portraits, but the singularity was modified differently there. Based on the scientific analysis, it was decided to replicate the old color restoration for Jo-nyeon Lee's portrait while for Sung-in Lee's portrait, it was decided to replicate the phenomenon. Detailed coloring techniques were presented by supplementing the expression techniques that are difficult to confirm visually using scientific data. In addition, by measuring the chromaticity of representative positions in the portrait for each color and presenting the color reference value calculated as the average value, the current color of the artifact can be replicated and restored based on the objective data as much as possible.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.39 no.3 s.178
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• pp.285-299
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• 2006

The Mireuksaji stone pagoda in Iksan is the largest stone pagoda existing in Eastern Asia. It was assumed that originally it had been established in the shape of nine-storied pagoda but as time went by only six-storied pagoda remained partially due to collapsing, repair and reconstruction. According to the reference, we can't make sure when its modification happened. The form that the pagoda is having now, was modified with concrete by the Japanese during the 1910s. The materials mixed in concrete were mixture of Portland cement, all sorts of stone, sand, and a little bit of new building stone, additive and compound. And also these materials were applied to cultural assets without any experiment at the time of 1910s as maintenance, which are still used recently. To prevent the change of its shape, the west side, south side and the north side which is partially destructed was rebuilt and reinforced with concrete and some of the deformed parts were also filled. The amounts of concrete used were about 200 tons. Such method had prevented the pagoda from destructing, however, by choosing a wrong repair method, its surface of the stone has secondary contaminants and precipitation caused by concrete. This kind of contamination speeds up the weathering which accelerates the aging mechanism of the stone to make it even harder to revive the absence of historical nature. Therefore, we are to find the best cleaning method to remove the secondary hazard contaminants.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.27
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• pp.103-124
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• 2022

This study examined the properties of the materials used in the three-story pagoda at Jangha-ri, Buyeo. It was performed in order to identify the objective condition of the pagoda and establish an appropriate plan for the conservation treatment of the pagoda. According to the study, the average total magnetic susceptibility was 3.71 (10^-3 SI unit), and at least four types of granite with different origins were likely used in the production of the pagoda. The ultrasonic velocity averaged 1,519m/s, and the coefficient of weathering showed an average of grade 4. The thermal gradient between the cement (restoration materials) and original materials was identified through thermal imaging. In some areas, the cement restoration materials required replacement with new stone materials with properties similar to those of the original stone materials. Taking into account these results, a map of weathering damage was prepared and appropriate conservation treatment plans were established based on the findings of previous studies. Since the pagoda had suffered severe biological damage and discoloration, surface contaminants were removed through wet cleaning with distilled water and a brush. The exfoliated areas were reinforced on the site by mixing epoxy resin with powdered stone with the same properties as the original stone materials of the pagoda.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.52-69
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• 2021

The transcriptions of Buddhist sutra in the Goryeo Dynasty are more elaborate and splendid than those of any other period and occupy a very important position in Korean bibliography. Among them, the transcriptions made on indigo paper show decorative features that represent the dignity and quality that nobles would have preferred. Particularly, during the Goryeo Dynasty, a large number of transcriptions were made on indigo paper, often in hand-scrolled and folded forms. If flexibility was not guaranteed, the hand-scrolled form caused inconvenience and damage when handling the transcription because of the structural limitations of the material that is rolled up and opened. It was possible to overcome these shortcomings by changing from the hand-scrolled to the folded form to obtain convenience and structural stability. The folded form of the transcription utilizes the same principle as the folding screen, so it is a structure that can be folded and unfolded, and it is made by connecting parts at regularly spaced intervals. No matter how small the transcription is, if it is made of thin paper, it is difficult to handle it and to maintain its shape and structure. For this reason, the folded transcription was usually made of thick paper to support the structure, and the cover was made thicker than the inner part to protect the contents. In other words, the forded form was generally manufactured to suit the characteristics of maintaining strength by making the paper thick. Because a large amount of indigo paper was needed to make this type of transcription, it is assumed that there were craftsmen who were in charge only of dark dyeing the papers. Usually, paper dyeing requires much more dye than silk dyeing, and dyeing dozens of times would be required to obtain the deep indigo color of the base of the transcription of Buddhist sutra in the Goryeo Dynasty. Unfortunately, there is no record of the Goryeo Dynasty's indigo blue paper manufacturing technique, and the craftsmen who made indigo paper no longer remain, so no one knows the exact method of making indigo paper. Recently, Hanji artisans, natural dyers, and conservators attempted to restore the Goryeo Dynasty's indigo paper, but the texture and deep colors found in the relics could not be reproduced. This study introduces the process of restoring indigo paper in the Goryeo Dynasty through collaboration between dyeing artisans, Hanji artisans, and conservators for conservation of the transcription of Buddhist sutra in the late Goryeo dynasty, yielding a suggested method of making indigo paper.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.200-211
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• 2022

The celadon stools with an openwork ring design which consist of four items as one collection were excavated from Gaeseong, Gyeonggi-do Province. The celadon stools were designated and managed as treasures due to their high arthistorical value in the form of demonstrating the excellence of celadon manufacturing techniques and the fanciful lifestyles during the Goryeo Dynasty. However, one of the items, which appeared to have been repaired and restored in the past, suffered a decline in aesthetic value due to the aging of the treatment materials and the lack of skill on the part of the conservator, raising the need for re-treatment as a result of structural instability. An examination of the conservation condition prior to conservation treatment found structural vulnerabilities because physical damage had been artificially inflicted throughout the area that was rendered defective at the time of manufacturing. The bonded surfaces for the cracked areas and detached fragments did not fit, and these areas and fragments had deteriorated because the adhesive trickled down onto the celadon surface or secondary contaminants, such as dust, were on the adhesive surface. The study identified the position, scope, and conditions of the bonded areas at the cracks UV rays and microscopy in order to investigate the condition of repair and restoration. By conducting Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and portable x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy on the materials used for the former conservation treatment, the study confirmed the use of cellulose resins and epoxy resins as adhesives. Furthermore, the analysis revealed the addition of gypsum(CaSO₄·2H₂O) and bone meal(Ca₁₀ (PO₄)₆(OH)₂) to the adhesive to increase the bonding strength of some of the bonded areas that sustained force. Based on the results of the investigation, the conservation treatment for the artifact would focus on completely dismantling the existing bonded areas and then consolidating vulnerable areas through bonding and restoration. After removing and dismantling the prior adhesive used, the celadon stool was separated into 6 large fragments including the top and bottom, the curved legs, and some of the ring design. After dismantling, the remaining adhesive and contaminants were chemically and physically removed, and a steam cleaner was used to clean the fractured surfaces to increase the bonding efficacy of the re-bonding. The bonding of the artifact involved applying the adhesive differently depending on the bonding area and size. The cyanoacrylate resin Loctite 401 was used on the bonding area that held the positions of the fragments, while the acrylic resin Paraloid B-72 20%(in xylene) was treated on cross sections for reversibility in the areas that provided structural stability before bonding the fragments using the epoxy resin Epo-tek 301-2. For areas that would sustain force, as in the top and bottom, kaolin was added to Epo-tek 301-2 in order to reinforce the bonding strength. For the missing parts of the ring design where a continuous pattern could be assumed, a frame was made using SN-sheets, and the ring design was then modeled and restored by connecting the damaged cross section with Wood epos. Other restoration areas that occurred during bonding were treated by being filled with Wood epos for aesthetic and structural stabilization. Restored and filled areas were color-matched to avoid the feeling of disharmony from differences of texture in case of exhibitions in the future. The investigation and treatment process involving a variety of scientific technology was systematically documented so as to be utilized as basic data for the conservation and maintenance.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.76-95
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• 2011

After dismantled, Mireuksajiseoktap(Stone pagoda of Mireuksa Templesite) is being in the stage of restoration design. Now, different ways - producing restoration model, a 3 dimension simulation - have been requested to make more detailed and clearer restoration design prior to confirmation of its restoration design and actual restoration carry-out. This thesis proposes the way to build the detailed model for better restoration plan using extensively-used Reverse Engineering technique and Rapid Prototyping. It also introduces each stage such as a 3-dimension actual measurement, building database, a 3-dimension simulation etc., to build a desirable model. On the top of that, this thesis reveals that after dismantled, MIruksaji stone pagoda's interior and exterior were not constructed into pieces but wholeness, so that its looks can be grasped in more virtually and clearly. Secondly, this thesis makes a 3-dimension study on the 2-dimension design possible by acquiring basic materials about a 3-dimension design. Thirdly, the individual feature of each member like the change of member location can be comprehended, considering comparing analysis and joint condition of member. Lastly, in the structural perspective this thesis can be used as reference materials for structure reinforcement design by grasping destructed aspects of stone pagoda and weak points of the structure. In dismantlement-repair and restoration work of cultural properties that require delicate attention and exactness, there may be evitable errors on time and space in building reinforcement and restoration design based on a 2-dimension plan. Especially, the more complicate and bigger the subject is, the more difficult an analysis about the status quo and its delicate design are. A series of pre-review, based on the 3-dimension data according to actual measurement, can be one of the effective way to minimize the possibility that errors about time - space happen by building more delicate plan and resolving difficulties.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.35-46
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• 2023

This study investigated and analyzed ancient records on the type, planting background, and construction process of Gwanbang forest(關防林) planned for military defense during the Joseon Dynasty to find out the purpose, location, and planting species of Gwanbang forest. The research results were as follows. During the Joseon Dynasty, Gwanbang forests were created around various government facilities(關防施設), such as Eupseong(邑城), major government offices, camps, and fortifications, for the purpose of defending against enemies. Gwanbang forest includes Yeongaeglim(嶺阨林), which was created on the crest of a strategically important hill, and Military Forest created for military purposes. Most of the spirit forest was designated as Geumsan(禁山) and protected and managed, and the Gwanbang forest was created for various purposes such as shielding, flood damage and river bank erosion prevention as well as external defense. In addition, in order to continuously and efficiently produce wood, which is a material for ships, buildings, and agricultural tools, in most cases, large areas were created as mixed forests. As for the species constituting the Gwanbang forest, there are records of tangerine tree, which is effective for defense because it has thorns, and deciduous broad-leaved trees such as zelkova, elm, willow, david hemiptelea, and oak appear. In the case of Ganghwa island, which served as the defense of the capital and the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty, several records have confirmed that a forest densely planted with trifoliate orange was created for the purpose of Gwanbang forest to reinforce the defense of the outer fortress. Based on historical research in the literature, assuming that the natural monument 'Gapgotri tangerine tree in Ganghwa Island' was planted in the 30th year of King Sukjong(1704), the first record of planting trifoliate orange in Ganghwa Island, the maximum age is estimated to be more than 319 years.