EXPLORING CONSOLIDATION OF DELAMINATED GROUND LAYERS IN EAST ASIAN LACQUER COATINGSA Case-Based Study on an Early Modern Chinese Export Cabinet

Abstract

Abstract

EXPLORING CONSOLIDATION OF DELAMINATED GROUND LAYERS IN EAST ASIAN LACQUER COATINGS

A Case-Based Study on an Early Modern Chinese Export Cabinet

This thesis investigated consolidation materials and techniques for delaminated ground layers in Chinese export lacquer, using an Early Modern cabinet as a case study. It addressed which testing workflow conservators can apply to systematically evaluate consolidants in support of treatment decisions. Historically informed test specimens replicating porous grounds of export lacquer furniture—defined as mineral-filled preparations bound with proteinaceous media such as animal blood and glue—were developed as substrates for candidate materials, including isinglass, fish glue, acrylic dispersions, and lacquer- or urushi-based systems. The workflow assessed liquid properties, penetration and distribution, optical impact, mechanical behaviour, and simplified ageing to identify critical trade-offs between penetration, compatibility, and optical stability. The thesis concluded that consolidation of protein-bound export lacquer grounds is best approached through a structured, test-based decision process and presents a reproducible methodology adaptable to similar lacquer objects.

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