• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.606-616
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• 2021

From the collection of the National Kimhae Museum, qualitative analyses using microscopic observation, SEM-EDS, Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR-ATR spectroscopy, and GC-MS were conducted on three burnished red potteries-Jeoksaekmaoyeonwa burnished red pottery (Neolithic age red pottery), Dandomaoyeonwan burnished red pottery(Bronze age red pottery) and Jeoksaekmaoyeongajimun burnished red pottery(Bronze age red pottery)-to investigate the components of the red pigments and the binder. After the layers of the primer were separated from the red surface, crystals of red pigment particles and minerals were found on the red surface. Through SEM-EDS, Raman estimates that the red pigment is Among soil pigments with iron oxide(Fe₂O₃) as the main color development source, Red Ocher(Fe₂O₃). A band characteristic of the Urushiol polymer was detected in the FTIR-ATRspectra(4000~600cm^-1), GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of the benzenemethanol-2-prophenyl, 4-heptylphenol, 1-tetracecanol, heptafluorobutyric texidecane, all of which are the ingredients of the directional structure of the lacquer present in the red layer. Therefore, it seemed that the three burnished red pottery: Jeoksaekmaoyeonwan pottery(Neolithic age burnished red pottery), Dandomaoyeonwan pottery(bronze age burnished red pottery) and the Jeoksaekmaoyeongajimun pottery(bronze age burnished red pottery) made by mixing minerals and Red Ocher(Fe₂O₃), with lacquer.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.426-439
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• 2021

In this study, we compare the properties and estimate the durability of five oil colors that are the most popularly used colors in the conservation of oil paintings. A set of these colors was obtained form four manufacturers each, and their properties were analyzed by conducting deterioration experiments. Subsequently, we observed the colors and performed X-ray fluorescence analysis. As a result of colour observation and XRF analysis, it was confirmed that there are the differences according to the pigment types, mixing rations and the manufacturers even for colors having the same product name. The deterioration test indicated differences in the appearance of the colors ; for instance, the color difference was above 12.0 in most of the samples, including restoration color and acrylic gouache. In the case of Lemon Yellow a lot of discoloration and cracking occurred, and difference in gloss was ob served in Viridian of manufacturer C. Most cracks were ob served in the restoration color obtained from manufacturer B and were assumed to be because of the resin used by the manufacturer. Nevertheless, additional research will have to be conducted by controlling variables in order to find out the cause. Through this study, we demonstrated that retouching materials for conservation of oil painting differed in their physical properties according to the color and manufacturer. Therefore a conservator should be mindful during the selection and use of materials for retouching oil paintings.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.411-425
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• 2021

The Stupa of State Preceptor Jigwang from Beopcheonsa Temple Site in Wonju (National Treasure) is a representative stupa of the Goryeo Dynasty, with outstanding Buddhist carvings and splendid patterns, clearly indicating its honoree and year of construction. However, it was destroyed by bombing during the Korean War (1950-1953) and repaired and restored with cement and reinforcing bars in 1957. The surface condition of the original stone shows long-term deterioration due to the m ortar used in past restorations. In order to identify the exact causes of deterioration, the m ortar and surface contaminants on the original stone were analyzed. Portlandite, calcite, ettringite, and gypsum from the mortar were identified, and its ongoing deterioration was observed through pH measurements and the neutralization reaction test. Analysis of surface contaminants identified calcite and gypsum, both poorly water-soluble substances, and their growth in volume among rock-forming minerals was observed by microscopy. Based on those results, semi-quantitative analysis of Ca and S contents significantly influencing the formation of salt crystals was conducted using P-XRF to analyze the basis of surface deterioration, and cross-validation was performed by comparing the body stone affected by the mortar and the upper stylobate stone unaffected by the mortar. Results indicate that the elements are directly involved in the surface deterioration of the body stone.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.525-535
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• 2021

This study identified material properties through scientific analysis on Jikgeumdan(satin with gold threads) from Donggungbi-Wonsam and the gold threads used in the embroidery. The Donggungbi-Wonsam's base of gold threads were estimated to have used mulberry fiber's Korean paper(Hanji) because non-wood-based fibers were observed. The X-ray spectrometer showed that the Tongsuseulan of Donggungbi-Wonsam was a flat gold thread of pure gold and Jikgeumdan of flat silver thread of its Saekdong and Hansam. High sulfur levels were detected in the flat silver thread, which appeared to have formed silver sulfide by either manufacturing process using sulfur or conservation environment. he dragon insignia's embroidery is also described as two types twisted gold threads; pure gold and alloying-gold and silver. while dragon insignia's border line is decorated with a twisted gold thread of pure gold. In particular, it was investigated that adhesives such as an animal glue, a protein-based compound by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Additionally, XRF and Raman spectroscopy analysis on the mixture substances between the metal surface and the base paper of gold threads identified talc and quartz in the gold threads and Seokganju(hematite) in the flat silver threads.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.567-578
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• 2021

In this study, the physicochemical properties of 21 wall fragments and rooftile pieces excavated from Jeseoksa Dump-site were analyzed, and the possibility of heat exposure, such as the fire reported in the literature, was investigated by estimating the firing temperature. From the results, it was estimated that the rooftiles were composed of refined materials, and the walls were composed of materials having different particle sizes depending on the layer. Unlike ordinary rooftiles and walls, they exhibited an uneven surface with traces of bloating phenomenon in the cross section. It was estimated from the blackening of some portions that firing was not performed in a controlled state in a constant firing environment. In addition, the estimated firing temperature showed that the non-overfired rooftiles had endured a firing temperature of 900℃ or less, but the over-fired samples were subjected to a temperature of 1,000℃ or higher and were fired at a temperature higher than the manufacturing temperature at that time. Additionally, the rooftiles probably became defective during firing or molding at the time of production, but the non-overfired rooftiles exhibited an intact shape and showed the possibility of heat exposure due to fire. Therefore, the analytical results of this study confirm that the defective architectural components damaged by the fire, as reported in the literature, were discarded in the Jeseoksa dump-site.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.536-544
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• 2021

In the present study, safe management and value improvement of bamboo sunblind, which is an item of cultural heritage, were performed by adopting stable conservation treatment methods. The bamboo sunblind used in the present study was excavated from No. 1 catchment site in Baesanseongji, Busan. It was determined that the main material used to make the sunblind was bamboo, and herbal plants were used to weave the bamboo using lacquer as an adhesive agent. All contaminants and soil adhered to the sunblind was removed. Thereafter, the sunblind, which was recovered in the form of blocks, was washed separately after fixing it to a temporary plaster frame and to avoid the blocks from breaking during washing. Then, polyethylene glycol (PEG) impregnation was utilized for the reinforcement treatment. Based on the preliminary test results, the shape of the sunblind was fixed using a stainless-steel frame to prevent physical damage that may occur during the drying process. Thereafter, the bamboo sunblind was vacuum freeze-dried. PEG 20% (in ethyl alcohol) was applied as a surface treatment agent for stabilization the sunblind. After the surface treatment, the bamboo sunblind were joined together to fit the maximum width, and the rectangular shape of the sunblind was restored-as best as possible-while filling in the missing parts by maximizing the use of unknown members such as in the disturbed layers below bamboo sunblind surface. The conservation treatment was completed by fixing the bamboo sunblind into the fabricated frame.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.440-450
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• 2021

Temperature and humidity data collection using real-time sensors and data loggers was conducted for integrated pest management in the collection storage and exhibition space of the Jeongnimsaji Museum, Buyeo. The real-time temperature and humidity monitoring system collected measurement data every 30 minutes and enabled real-time confirmation of the data through a linked application. If the temperature and humidity data measured in the real-time temperature and humidity monitoring system exceeds the set range, a push notification was sent to the mobile phone of the person in charge to provide status information to establish a continuous management system. Through this, it was possible to immediately recognize and take action when the temperature range exceeded the recommended relic temperature in August. We performed data visualization on the concentration of airborne fungus in the storage area and the inflow path and density of insects. Based on the recommended criteria presented by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, The data on the spatial and temporal concentration of airborne fungus inside the collection storage were found to be maintained at a value below the standard recommended by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (80 CFU/m³). Also, as a result of the insect inflow survey, no insects were captured inside the storage area, and in the case of the exhibition space, insects such as Scutigera coleoptrata, Loxoblemmus arietulus, Diestrammena asynamora, Koreoniscus racovitzai were captured. Based on this, as a result of visualization according to the individual density of captured insects by area, it was confirmed that the main inflow paths of insects were the external entrance and the toilet area.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.579-589
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• 2021

Five waterlogged wood artefacts were excavated from Suyeong-ri site in Hwaseong, South Korea. The aim of the present study was to identify the species and estimate the date of manufacture and the manufacturing method of these artefacts. The study also aimed to conserve the original shapes of waterlogged wood artefacts by using the vacuum freeze drying method. The two large waterlogged woods were identified as Ulmus spp. and Morus spp., whereas one of the three small waterlogged woods was identified as Abies spp. and the other two as hard pine. Radiocarbon dating using wiggle match dated the manufacturing of these wooden artefacts between BCE 8520-8490 or BCE 8470-8290 in the Neolithic age, and a similar period was also confirmed for seed excavated from a place close to the location where the waterlogged wood artefacts were excavated. The surface of waterlogged wood artefacts had several traces of manufacturing processes - traces of tearing and chopping - were observed. Based on these observations, it was confirmed that stone adz was used to make these wooden artefacts. Thereafter, the waterlogged wood samples were conserved by immersing them into PEG#4,000 of concentration in water from 10% to 40% at room temperature(15~25℃) and subjecting them to vacuum freeze drying. However, the internal moisture was not completely removed in some thick parts of waterlogged woods by applying the general schedule such as raising the shelf temperature as the surface temperature rises. Therefore, additional study is required using the schedule-method for vacuum freeze drying of large waterlogged wood.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.491-504
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• 2021

Gwanghwamun Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace was dismantled and relocated during the Japanese colonial period, destroyed during the Korean War, reconstructed with reinforced concrete in 1968, and finally erected at its present location in 2010. A pair of Haechi statues located in front of Gwanghwamun was dismantled and relocated several times, and the statues have yet to be returned precisely to their original positions. This study assesses the historical accuracy of their current placement under the Gwanghwamun Square Restructuring Project of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Cultural Heritage Administration based on archival photos from the early 1900s, and proposes a method to estimate the original positions of the Haechi through image analysis of contemporary photographs and recent digital camera photos. We estimated the original position of the Haechi before the Japanese colonial period by identifying the shooting location of the archival photo and reproducing contemporary photographs by calculating the angle and distance to the Haechi from the shooting location. The leftmost and rightmost Haechi were originally located about 9.6 m to the east and 7.4 m to the north and about 1.9 m to the west and 8.0 m to the north, respectively, of their current location indicators. As the first attempt to determine the original location of a building and its accessories using archival photos, this study launches a new scientific methodology for the restoration of cultural properties.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.545-556
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• 2021

In this study, we aimed to elucidate the materialistic characteristics of 11 pieces of earthenware belonging to the Neolithic and Bronze Age excavated from Jeongseon Auraji, South Korea. As a result, the chemical composition of earthenwares belonging to the early Bronze Age was distributed in the intermediate area between the Neolithic and Bronze Age earthenwares, but no significant difference was confirmed based on their manufacturing period. Upon comparison, the earthenwares excavated from Jeongseon Auraji site were found to comprise less acidic components than those excavated from Yeongdong, and are characterized by the alkaline components depending on the excavated site. In the rare earth elements distribution pattern, all the analyzed earthenwares exhibited similar pattern, confirming that the raw materials present in the clay were the same. As a result of microstructure analysis, the clay particles and voids were found to be irregularly distributed in the analyzed earthenwares. Neolithic earthenwares exhibited many irregular voids, and an arrangement of aluminosilicate, including feldspar, was observed along with the clay substrate. Furthermore, we confirmed that the empty space in early Bronze Age earthenwares was filled with fine particles and cube crystals. Moreover, the main mineral phase of earthenwares excavated from Jeongseon Auraji exhibited similar composition, and therefore, there was no significant difference in the firing temperature of these earthenwares. The firing temperature of the earthenwares ranged from 750 to 850℃.