• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.368-382
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• 2020

It was confirmed that a white porcelain figurine in underglaze iron was damaged after exhibition. This study analyzes the current state of salt damage on the artifact and identifies the factors contributing to its deterioration by examining the material characteristics of the artifact and exhibition environment. The analysis will thus assist in preparing a conservation scheme for artifacts. The crystallized carbonate on the surface of the white porcelain figurine is a water-soluble alkali salt with high hygroscopicity and high solubility in water. This solubility increases as the temperature increases. The figurine was low-fired at approximately 1000℃. A lead glaze was applied, and thin cracks were formed on the glazed surface, indicating poor surface properties. Our analysis suggested that the showcase used in the exhibition likely created a moist environment resulting from condensation, as it was exposed to high temperature and relative humidity, particularly in comparison to the exhibition room where the temperature was regulated using an air conditioner. In addition, the artifacts in the showcase were exposed to sudden changes in temperature and relative humidity as the air conditioner was repeatedly turned on and off. Therefore, it can be deduced that the soluble salt remaining on the white porcelain figurine moved toward the surface of the relatively weak glaze as a result of the temperature, and the crystallized salt exacerbated surface damage as the moisture evaporated in a dry environment.