• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.102-115
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• 2024

Painted Cultural heritage uses various materials such as paper, silk, wood, soil, and lime as a base layer to draw on using ink sticks and express lines or colors using various colorants. The importance of underdrawings is emphasized when it comes to replication and preservation, as they can reveal the original drawing. Investigations using infrared have been extensively conducted to detect underdrawings. However, there has been a paucity of research on the influence of underdrawing detection according to the base layer. In this study, the effect of the base layer materials on underdrawing detection in painted cultural heritage was confirmed using an infrared camera and hyperspectral camera (900 to 1700 nm). The study samples marked '檢' with ink below the color layer (cinnabar, orpiment, malachite, azurite, white lead, and red lead) by the base layer materials: Paper (Dakji, indigo/Dakji), silk (silk, silk/white lead), wood (celadonite/wood), soil (celadonite/soil), and lime. The difference in the effect on underdrawing detection was minimal for paper and silk, and no significant differences were found between Dakji and indigo/Dakji, or between silk and silk/white lead. However, we found that celadonite/wood, celadonite/soil, and lime have a significant impact on underdrawing detection. In particular, for wood and soil painted with celadonite, underdrawings were not detected for all six color layers. In the case of lime, it was found that all color layers except malachite had a more positive effect on underdrawing detection. The findings of this study will aid in selecting the appropriate method for underdrawing analysis in the restoration of painted cultural heritage.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.216-228
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to apply the handheld Raman spectrometer to identify the coloring materials used in a large Buddhist painting (of Maitreya Buddha) at Janggoksa Temple through cross-validation with HH-XRF. An in situ investigation was performed together with use of a digital microscope and HH-XRF analysis to verify the properties of pigments used in the gwaebul ("large Buddhist painting") via a non-destructive method. However, the identification of coloring materials composed of light elements and mixed or overlaid pigments is difficult using only non-destructive analysis data. Unlike in situ investigation, laboratory analysis often required samples yet the sampling is restricted to a small quantity due to the cultural heritage characteristic. Thus, it is necessary to develop a non-destructive in situ method to supplement the HH-XRF data. The large Buddhist painting at Janggoksa Temple was painted mainly using white, red, yellow, green, and blue colors. The Raman spectroscopy provides molecular information, while XRF spectroscopy provides information about elemental composition of the pigments. Analysis results identified various coloring materials: inorganic pigment, such as lead white, minium, cinnabar, and orpiment, as well as organic pigment such as gamboge and indigo. Therefore, it is possible to obtain more information for the identification of pigments; organic pigment and mixed or overlaid pigments, while at the same time minimizing the collection sample and simplifying the analysis procedure compared to previously used methods. The results of this study will be used as basic data for the analysis of painting cultural heritage through a non-destructive in situ method in the future.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.29
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• pp.111-132
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• 2023

Terahertz radiation cannot pass through metal and therefore reflect and return most signals. Utilizing this property, this study analyzed information on paintings to verify the usage of metal materials on paintings and the scope of their application. First, the study tested specimens of metal-based pigments and synthetic pearl pigments with metallic colors and textures in order to compare basic characteristics of terahertz images, such as signal severance caused by metallic substances, traits reflected in cross-section images, and high degree of reflection. Subsequently, based on the collected information, the study diagnosed various types of paintings including Korean traditional paintings and oil paintings using the terahertz imaging technique to confirm the usage of metal-based pigments in the inner layers of paintings and their scope of application. The terahertz imaging technique could has the potential to provide scientific evidence for previously-undiscovered information and art-historical records about various types of paintings that used metalbased pigments, thereby rendering significant utility for the conservation and authentication of paintings.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.237-244
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• 2019

In this study, we applied terahertz imaging technology to three Korean modern oil paintings ('Boy,' 'Girl,' and 'Hyehwadong Landscape'); investigated the types of inner layer information in the pictures that can be extracted with terahertz imaging technology; and analyzed the conditions for extracting them. The biggest problem in the terahertz imaging analysis we encountered was the image distortion caused by the change of the distance between the target surface and the terahertz detector, depending on the surface curvature of the target paintings. We then developed a 'working distance maintaining device' to solve this problem. As a result, the terahertz imaging technique was used to identify the base material characteristics and any patterns of damage inside, and presented the optimal conditions for identifying each characteristic. In addition, it was useful to employ the terahertz frequency-division image to check the characteristics of the background materials. To confirm coloring techniques such as brush strokes, it is effective to compare the maximum reflection peak image with the cross-section image; and to detect damage information inside the paintings that cannot be observed on the surface, to compare the cross-section image with the frequency-division image. On the other hand, according to the terahertz imaging analysis of the oil paintings, the internal structural damage marks of 'Boy' and 'Girl' were confirmed, and the artist's painting style was confirmed in 'Hyehwadong Landscape.' The above results are expected to be useful for the analysis and diagnosis of Korean modern oil paintings for their preservation.

• 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.56 no.6
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• pp.899-909
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• 2023

In this study, the material scientific characteristics of Hobun pigments used as white inorganic pigment for traditional cultural heritage were identified according to the type of shell and calcination and evaluated the stability of the preservation environment. For the purpose of this, we collected 2 different types of Hobun pigments made by oyster and clam shell and its calcined products(at 1,150℃). Hobun pigments before calcined identified calcium carbonate such as calcite, aragonite but calcination derived changing main composition to portlandite and calcite. Results of FE-SEM showed characteristics microstructure for each shell but pigments after calcined observed porous structure. Porous granule highly caused oil adsorption according to increase specific surface area of pigments. In addition, the whiteness improved after calcined pigments compared to non-calcined pigments, and the color improvement rate of Hobun pigment (CS) which made of clam shell was higher. As a result of the accelerated weathering test, the Hobun pigment-colored specimen had a color difference value of less than 2 after the test, which was difficult to recognize with the naked eye. In particular, the color stability has improved as the color difference value of the Hobun pigment is smaller after calcined compared to before non-calcined pigment. However, it was confirmed that the stability of the painting layer was lower in the specimen after calcined pigment. For antifungal activity test, Aspergillus niger, Tyromyces palustris and Trametes versicolor were used as test fungi, and all pigments were found to have preventive and protective effects against fungi. Especially, the antifungal effect of the calcined pigment was excellent, which is due to the stronger basicity of the pigment.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.148-169
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• 2023

Hayeob pigment is known as one of the traditional dark green pigments, but the color, raw material, and manufacturing method have not been clearly identified. However, comparing the analysis results of the particle shape and constituent minerals of Hayeob pigments revealed through pigment analysis studies of colored cultural properties such as Dancheong, Gwaebul, and paintings, Hayeob pigments appear to be the same as Dongrok pigments produced by salt corrosion. Therefore, in order to restore Hayeob pigment, the manufacturing method of Dongrok pigment was studied based on the records of old literature. The Dongrok pigment manufacturing method confirmed in the old literature records is a natural corrosion method in which copper powder and a caustic are mixed and then left in a humid condition to corrode. Based on this, artificial corrosion using a corrosion tester was adopted to corrode the copper powder more efficiently, and an appropriate mixing ratio was selected by analyzing the state of corrosion products according to the mixing ratio of the caustic agent. In addition, the manufacturing method of Dongrok pigment was established by adding a salt removal process to remove residual caustic agents and a purification process to increase chroma during pigment coloring. The prepared Dongrok pigments have a bluish green or green color, show an elliptical particle shape and a form in which small particles are aggregated, and a porous surface is observed. The main constituent elements are copper(Cu) and chlorine(Cl), and the main constituent mineral is identified as atacamite [Cu₂Cl(OH)₃]. As a result of an accelerated weathering test to evaluate the stability of the prepared Dongrok pigments, it was found that the greenness partially decreased and the yellowness significantly increased as deterioration progressed. Before deterioration, the Dongrok pigments had lower yellowness compared to the Hayeob pigments of the old Dancheong, but after deterioration, yellowness increased significantly, and it was found to have a similar chromaticity range as Dancheong's Hayeob pigments. As a result, the prepared Dongrok pigments were confirmed to be similar to Dancheong's Hayeob pigments in terms of color as well as particle shape and constituent minerals.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.249-256
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• 2018

Seokrog and Seokcheong are traditional pigments that have been used as green and blue pigments in Korean traditional coloring heritage. Natural minerals such as malachite and azurite are known as raw materials. Seokrog and Seokcheong are mainly imported from aborad, such as China and Japan, and some blue pigments are reported to have been produced domestically. However, considering the geologic environment where carbonate minerals are difficult to produce, the possibility is not high. Malachite and azurite ores were purchased and analyzed for their composition. The pigments were manufactured by traditional procedure and analyzed to characterize the pigments. The Seokrog pigments had an $L^*$ value of about 59-83, an $a^*$ value of less than -20, and a slightly higher saturation than commercial products. The oil absorption was 22-29 mL/100 g, showing excellent opacity of 99.2 % or more. In the case of Seokcheong pigment, the range of $L^*$ values was 35-65 and $b^*$ values were below -15, indicating relatively lower saturation than commercial products. The oil absorption was 21-26 mL/100 g, showing an excellent opacity of 99.1 % or more like the Seokrog pigment. Azurite ore contain impurities such as malachite and quartz in addition to azurite, and the impurities contained in the pigments derived from azurite ore likely influenced on the characteristics such as their color and oil absorption.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.56-69
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• 2016

Flame resistant treatment has been applied since 1973 for fire prevention in historical wooden buildings, but several problems, such as whitening and discoloration are constantly occurring in some Dancheong, in spite of evaluation criteria. It is supposed that these phenomena are caused by the stability issue of flame retardant, Dancheong production methods, the residue of chemicals, which were applied in the past, building location environments, etc., but no evaluation and cause inspection has been performed. Therefore, this study aims to verify the effect of flame retardant on Dancheong by producing Pseudo-samples and setting spatial and temporal environment conditions. Pseudo-samples of Dancheong were produced using three methods; the method specified in the Standard Specification of Properties; the method, which is generally used in the site and the traditional method. For different environment conditions of pseudo-samples, the areas were classified into a coastal area and an inland area and the places were classified into a sunny place and a wetland. After applying a flame retardant, annual variations were inspected for 12 months and change aspects were observed through scan and regular observation. In annual variation inspection, various variations like whitening, decolorization, dissolution and exfoliation were found and especially, whitening was most dominant. When the effect of flame retardant depending on the production methods was analyzed, whitening occurred in all the three production methods. It is supposed that this is because calcium(Ca) was contained in the coloring material of each production method and it reacted with phosphorous(P) of flame retardant. When the effect of flame retardant depending on the environment conditions was analyzed, whitening occurred more in the coastal area than in the inland area and it reduced in the building in a sunny place, which was constructed using the traditional method. It is supposed that this results from the humidity change and the difference of glue used in each production method. In conclusion, for using a flame retardant containing phosphorous(P), there is a need to check if calcium components including Oyster Shell White were used in Dancheong in advance and to conduct various preliminary studies on place conditions and Dancheong construction conditions.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.152-173
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• 2021

The Large Banner was introduced during the Japanese Invasions of Korea with a new military system. It was a flag that controlled the movement of soldiers in military training. In addition, it was used in other ways, such as a symbol when receiving a king in a military camp, a flag raised on the front of a royal procession, at the reception and dispatch of envoys, and at a local official's procession. The Large Banner was recognized as a symbol of military dignity and training rites. The Large Banner was analyzed in the present study in the context of two different types of decorations. Type I includes chungdogi, gakgi and moongi. Type II includes grand, medium, and small obangi, geumgogi and pyomigi. Each type is decorated differently for each purpose. The size of the flag is estimated to be a square of over 4 ja long in length. Flame edges were attached to one side and run up and down The Large Banner used the Five Direction Colors based on the traditional principles of Yin-Yang and Five Elements. The pattern of the Large Banner is largely distinguished by four. The pattern of large obangi consists of divine beasts symbolizing the Five Directions and a Taoism amulet letter. The pattern of medium obangi features spiritual generals that escort the Five Directions. The pattern of small obangi has the Eight Trigrams. The pattern of moongi consists of a tiger with wings that keeps a tight watch on the army's doors. As for historical sources of coloring for Large Banner production, the color-written copy named Gije, from the collection of the Osaka Prefect Library, was confirmed as the style of the Yongho Camp in the mid to late 18th century, and it was also used for this essay and visualization work. We used Cloud-patterned Satin Damask as the background material for Large Banner production, to reveal the dignity of the military. The size of the 4 ja flag was determined to be 170 cm long and 145 cm wide, and the 5 ja flag was 200 cm long and 175 cm wide. The conversion formula used for this work was Youngjochuck (1 ja =30cm). In addition, the order of hierarchy in the Flag of the King was discovered within all flags of the late Joseon Dynasty. In the above historical study, the two types of Large Banner were visualized. The visualization considered the size of the flag, the decoration of the flagpole, and the patterns described in this essay to restore them to their original shape laid out the 18th century relics on the background. By presenting color, size, material patterns, and auxiliary items together, it was possible not only to produce 3D content, but also to produce real products.