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A Materials Investigation into the Metal Composition and Coating Structures of Four Ming Dynasty Cast Iron Statues, with Subsequent Discussion and Development of a Treatment Protocol

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2011

Elizabeth A. Moffatt ,
Aaron N. Shugar ,
P. Jane Sirois  and
Susan Stock
Elizabeth A. Moffatt
Affiliation:
Canadian Conservation Institute, Department of Canadian Heritage, 1030 Innes Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M5 Canada
Aaron N. Shugar
Affiliation:
Archaeometallurgy Lab, Materials Research Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015 USA
P. Jane Sirois
Affiliation:
Canadian Conservation Institute, Department of Canadian Heritage, 1030 Innes Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M5 Canada
Susan Stock
Affiliation:
3Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park, Toronto ON M5S 2C6, Canada
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Abstract

Four iron statues dated by inscription to the Ming Dynasty, China, (1491 A.D.) were investigated for their metal composition and coating structures. The investigation was initiated with the intent of ascertaining whether any prior treatment had been done and to determine the present condition of the objects. During visual examination and simple surface cleaning, it became apparent that the objects had some form of surface decoration and polychrome. On closer examination, gilding, lacquer, and traces of pigment around the hat, eyes, and garments were visible. A sample of the metal was taken for metallography and chemical compositional analysis. Samples were taken from the surface of the four objects to identify the composition of the observed decoration and corrosion. The results revealed that the statues are white cast iron and were fully decorated with multiple colours and gilding as well as being sequentially lacquered. Recommendations for the cleaning and conservation of these and similar objects are given.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 712: Symposium II – Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology VI , 2002 , II6.5
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2002

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References

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