• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.578-590
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• 2020

During the 1960-1970s, a group of ceramic conservation scientists and ceramic historians in South Korea came together and established their own disciplines. While the two disciplines share the same ceramics as the subjects of their research, there has been little interaction between the two as their research outputs are articulated in remarkably different languages. This paper aims to address the following questions by using a case study that focuses on the research on white porcelains centered on the project of Gyeonggi Museum and a series of studies conducted by one of the museum's project research teams. First, what are the characteristics of and differences between the explanation styles of the two disciplines that share the same research subjects of ceramics? Second, why has the communication between the two disciplines become difficult? Third, if there can be a trading zone wherein the two disciplines would be able to communicate again, what would be its epistemic conditions? The focus of this paper is the relationship between scientific data and ordinary language, which the two disciplines have shared from their inception. By analyzing the relationship, I first argue that, as the analytical techniques of conservation science have become more developed, conservation science's data have gradually lost its relevance in ceramic history, in spite of a shared common language between them; Second, I argue that by recovering the import of shared language again, the scientific data can be placed in a different practical context, providing novel interpretations that are relevant and often consequential to ceramic history.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.154-166
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• 2021

The royal seal, in either gold or jade, is used to symbolize Joseon's royal family, and it is made up of a Bonu (a handle), Bosin (a body), Bomun (a letter inscribed on the seal), and Bosu (a string attached to the seal). The Bosu was designed to enhance the seal's dignity and facilitate convenient handling. Bosu consists of Kkeun-mog and Bangwool-sul (decorated with gilt paper), which are made of Bangwool, Bangwool-mog, and Sul. In this study, the form survey, color, material, and composition of 318 Bosu pieces from the Joseon Dynasty and Korean Empire produced from 1441 to 1928 were analyzed. As time passed, the strings on the seals became longer and thinner. Bangwool-mog disappeared from the mid-1800s, and a ring appeared at the end of the Sul. Most of the colors used were scarlet, but orange and purple were also identified. Although most of the Bosu are silk, five Bosu from the 1900s and one Bosu from the 1740s (likely replaced in the 1900s) are estimated to be rayon. The gilt paper's main chemical components used to decorate the Bangwool-sul vary according to age. Until the mid-1800s, gold (Au) was used for the Sul and Bangwool, but since the mid-1800s, gold (Au) and brass (Cu-Zn) were used for Sul and Bangwool, respectively, and then brass (Cu-Zn) was used for Sul and Bangwool. While the Bosu was a seal accessory, it can be used to identify changes in the manufacturing techniques and materials of the period.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.101-119
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• 2021

Korea's National Treasure No. 229, the Jagyeongnu (clepsydra) of Changgyeonggung Palace, is a scientific and cultural property representing the pinnacle of science and technology in the Joseon Dynasty. Currently, only the large, mid-sie, and small Pasuhos (bronze jars) remain. During a nearly two-year conservation project by the Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center (CHCSC) that began in 2018, conservators identified the contaminants on the surface of the water clock's components. It turned out that the contaminants had been caused by the exposure of squalane and silicone oil, used in an earlier preservation treatment, to the elements. The CHCSC conducted experiments to determine the most effective method to remove the contaminants. First, the conservators tried using an organic solvent, a poultice, and the application of toluene and bentonite, which yielded excellent reactivity and significant color difference changes (𝚫E). However, the reactivity was insufficiently effective to warrant the health hazards to the conservators and the environment (toluene is toxic). Although organic solvents required considerably more effort, time, and human resources, the conservators confirmed that their use achieved a true color difference variation (𝚫E) that was within the same range as the toxic hydrocarbon. Thus, they confirmed that using an organic surfactant was the best method for removing the contaminants.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.179-189
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• 2021

In this study, the research objects are gilt plated silver-iron nails excavated from the west of the tombs in Neungsan-ri, Buyeo. A gilt plated silver-iron nail was fabricated by combining silver and iron via heating and then gilding amalgam on top of this combination, demonstrating that this ancient artifact that can be replicated using current technology. Since the metal (Au, Ag) surface of these gilt plated artifacts are covered with iron oxide, which slips into the cracks and scratches of the artifacts as well, desalination is essential. Based on the results of the preliminary experiment, the research objects were classified into grades A, B, and C, according to the degree of corrosion and then desalinated using an alkali solution (NaOH, Sodium Sesquicarbonate of 0.1 M) at 60℃. The results demonstrate that the more serious is the degree of corrosion, the more is the amount of Cl^- detected. Further, more Cl^- was released when NaOH was used than when sodium sesquicarbonate was used, for all grades except Grade A. Furthermore, the more serious is the degree of corrosion, the longer is the desalination period and the reaction with NaOH for all grades except Grade A. A comparison of the Fe composition of the surface before and after desalination shows that Fe composition is the use of NaOH resulted in a smaller increase compared with the use of sodium sesquicarbonate, for all grades except Grade B. However, four of the nails were damaged owing to NaOH (Grade B 3ea, Grade C 1ea) during desalination. Thus, Cl^- ions are more stably released when sodium sesquicarbonate is used than when NaOH is used.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.245-254
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• 2021

In this study, organic materials in Dancheong specimens were analyzed to establish a Dancheong preparation method in Unhangak Hall of Hwaryeongjeon Shrine, Suwon. IR and pyrolysis/GC/MS were applied to a Zuhong specimen and a gilded one. The IR spectra showed absorption peaks corresponding to C-O, C=O, OH, although they were different from those of animal glue, Asian lacquer, and drying oil. The Pyrolysis/GC/MS after the on-line methylation revealed Asian lacquer-derived components, such as methyl 7-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)heptanoate, and drying oil-derived components, such as nonanedioic acid, dimethyl ester. Based on these results, we estimated that Asian lacquer and drying oil were used in the Dancheong preparation. Small amounts of 3-methyl-1H-pyrrole were also detected, which could possibly originate from animal glue. The radiocarbon age of the specimens appeared to be between the late 17^th to the early 20^th century. This study potentially reports the first case of Asian lacquer detection in a Dancheong specimen in Korea.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.167-178
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• 2021

For the preservation and efficient content sharing of 5 volumes (2,866 pages) of Yu Kil-Chun's book published in 1971, which provides an important collection of data for the study of modern Korean history during the late 19th century (enlightenment period of Joseon dynasty). The books were purchased and its preservation status investigated and documented electronically by scanning for permanent preservation of content and to determine the condition of preservation at the time of documentation. The degree of deterioration and damage, such as discoloration, hardening, breakage, and damage in these 50 years old modern printed books was quantified through image analysis and made attempts to visualize the damaged areas. It was observed that the degree of deterioration and damage depended on the material and the surface condition of the paper used, the degree of exposure to light, and the storage environment. The comparison of the preservation status at the time of the photographing (or scanning) and judgment as to whether or not the image under investigation was artificially modified was accomplished by comparing the electronically documented images of Seoyugyeonmun (西遊見聞) in Volume 1 of Yu Kil-Chun's works with images provided on other websites. Practical problems encountered while considering the effective preservation of electronically documented data and publicly sharing it, in the course of this study, with other academic researchers around the world were also summarized.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.475-482
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• 2020

In this study, we synthesized rosin-based epoxy resin and manufactured two components adhesives and epoxy putty using this epoxy resin. This study manufactured main element of adhesives for enabling it to form epoxide group by letting epichlorohydrin react to maleic anhydride modified rosin, and used room temperature curing type triethylenetetramine for hardener. The ratio between main element and hardener of of manufactured adhesives was 100 : 20, and main element and hardener of filling material were manufactured as clay type by mixing them with filler. Manufactured undiluted adhesives and filling material showed very stable result in the adhesive strength (3.06 MPa) and ultraviolet irradiation, showing outstanding result comparing to existing restoration adhesives. And it is considered a material having reversibility as it was dissolved in organic solvents such as acetone and toluene after being hardened, which showed a result that solved part of possible problems caused by restoration. As a result of use and application of manufactured adhesives and filling material for actual wood crafts, they showed excellent results in workability, stability, removability etc., and this study confirmed that the material can be used for and applied to various fields.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.120-134
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• 2021

A Woolen carpet from the late Joseon Dynasty was unearthed in the process of repairing Seongjeonggak in Changdeokgung. Since relics are rarer than documentary records, the woolen carpet is highly valued as a relics. It is presumed to have been woven in the late 19th or early 20th century because there is a record of repairing Seongjeonggak in 1907. In the carpet, a pattern is made by inserting colored yarn dyed yellow and red onto a reddish-purple ground weave. The selvage of the woolen carpet used cotton thread, and jute is used for the warp and weft of the ground weave. The colored patterns is made of wool in the form of loop pile. Cut piles may appear occasionally when the colored yarn changes, but are almost invisible from the surface because they are pressed tightly with a shuttered weft. Making carpets with jute and wool is thought to be influenced by the Brussels carpets of the mid-18th century. Furthermore, the woolen carpet is torn and the pattern is completely unclear; however, it is understandable that the pattern is partially repeated. Microscopic and Fourier transform-Infrared spectrometer(FT-IR) analyses were performed for the above investigation. To identify the dyes used in relics, we compared them with natural dyed fabric samples based on chromaticity measurements and Ultraviolet/Visible spectrophotometer(UV-Vis) analysis. These analyses revealed that the woolen carpet's dyed green yarn did not use indigo, and reddish-purple ground weave is estimated to have used Caesalpinia sappan.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.232-244
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• 2021

This study examined the physical attributes and heat treatment characteristics of glass beads excavated from the Gimhae area, which is the location of Geumgwan Gaya. This enabled classification of surface characteristics of the beads based on the investigation of the color, size, and shape. The glass beads were classified into eight color systems, with purplish-blue beads as the representative color. Bead size was categorized into three types depending on the outer diameter and how it increased over time. Bead shapes were categorized as round, tubular, or doughnut-shaped based on the inner diameter and length, with round being the typical shape. According to the degree of heat treatment, there are three types of cross-section for glass beads that are manufactured by the drawing technique, most of which are the HT-III type. In addition, it is estimated that the heat treatment technology has more considerable effects than other methods. Through non-destructive analysis, the chemical composition was obtained and categorized as flux, stabilizer, and colorant. Analysis confirmed the presence of 63 and 9 pieces in the potash and soda glass groups, respectively. Overall findings from the study highlighted a correlation between the chemical composition and the external factors such as color, size, shape, and manufacturing technology of glass beads recovered from Geumgwan Gaya, revealing characteristics related to that time and region.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.191-208
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• 2021

In this study, the status of damage by subterranean termites and their management according to the region and type of domestic wooden cultural properties were identified. This was based on the survey reports of agencies conducting regular nationwide and regional monitoring of subterranean termites. In addition, using geographical information system (GIS) based on the survey contents, a map was constructed of termite infestation and its progress on 2,805 wooden cultural properties that were surveyed nationwide. Based on the map produced, a total of 486 cases of termite infestation were confirmed in wooden cultural properties during 2018-2019, of which 143 cases (approximately 29.4%) were confirmed to be owing to the invasion of termites in the ground and infestation of wood materials. A web platform and an application using a mapping application program interface were created to increase accessibility to the investigated damage status data. The methods employed by each institution for investigating and monitoring the invasion of termites in the ground included the use of detection dogs, visual observation, installation of wood specimens made of pine, and microwave equipment. However, it was confirmed that monitoring and survey methods were not applied to determine the territorial range of the subterranean termite colonies. Accordingly, the use of dyeing and mark-release-recapture methods were deemed necessary to understand the current status, such as calculating the scope of the target wooden cultural property, when monitoring subterranean termite colonies.