Scientific Conservation and Restoration of Decorative Calligraphy and Painting Artifacts from the Imperial Interior of the Forbidden City
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67533/c57zmp46Keywords:
calligraphy and painting; scientific conservation; fiber analysisAbstract
A substantial number of calligraphy and painting were used for inner space decoration in the forbidden city, serving as essential artistic elements within court architecture. Unlike traditional forms such as vertical scrolls, hand scrolls and album pages that are framed for storage, these works were mounted directly onto architectural components and exposed to stable microenvironments over long periods. Their mounting materials and methods are different from those of traditional hand scrolls, posing challenges to conventional conservation approaches. In this study, through the scientific testing and analysis techniques of mounting paper used for these paper-based artifacts in Hall of Mental Cultivation（Yangxin Dian）, identifying fiber types and compositions. Adhering to material compatibility and reversibility, a targeted restoration method utilizing highly compatible materials was implemented. Based on comprehensive scientific evidence derived from both historical records and material analysis, the precise application of restoration materials provides a replicable scientific framework for conserving similar interior decorative paintings and calligraphy.
References
[1] WANG J H. History of Ancient Chinese Papermaking Engineering Technology[M]. Taiyuan: Shanxi Education Publishing House，2005: 313-315.
[2] ZHENG X. The Usage and Manufacturing of Qing Dynasty Paper from the Records in the Revised and Enlarged Dictionary of the Man⁃ chu Language，Imperially Ordained[J]. Forbidden city，Journal of Gugong Studies，2023(1):199-209.
[3] WANG J H. Papermaking Raw Materials of China an Atlas of Micro⁃ graphs and the Characteristics of Fibers[M]. Beijing: China Light Industry Press，1999:126-182.
[4] Lee J Y, Won Y S, Park B S, et al. Chemometric approaches for discriminating manufacturers of Korean handmade paper using infrared spectroscopy[J]. Heritage Science,2024,12(1):373-373. DOI:10.1186/S40494-024-01460-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-024-01460-6
[5] WANG W T. Research on the Interior Wall and Ceiling Decoration Techniques of the Jade Treasure Pavilion in Qianlong Garden [A]. China Forbidden City Society, Collection of Papers of China Forbidden City Society, Volume 9 (Part 2) [C]. Palace Museum Publishing House Co., LTD., 2015: 151-172
[6] TIAN Z L，LONG K，YI X H，et al. A Study on Influence of Stor⁃ age Environment on Paper Properties[J]. China Pulp & Paper In⁃ dustry，2016，37(14):31-33. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26599/PBM.2016.9260004
