In the winter of the year before last, a serious incident occurred in Korea when the wall of Gyeongbok Palace—one of the country's most treasured national treasures—was vandalized with spray paint. Fortunately, thanks to the swift response of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and other relevant agencies and researchers, it was quickly and thoroughly restored. This restoration was made possible by the application of various technologies and tools specifically designed for cultural heritage preservation.
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| Wall of Gyeongbok Palace vandalized with spray paint <source : imbc.com, https://imnews.imbc.com/news/2023/society/article/6553690_36126.html> |
Recently, there has been a
noticeable increase in damage to cultural heritage due to factors such as
increased tourist activity, wildfires, and construction projects. This
highlights the growing need for effective restoration technologies and tools.
In this issue, we will explore the technologies and patents that help restore
the tangible history embedded in our cultural heritage.
The foundation of restoring
excavated cultural artifacts or relics lies in careful cleaning. Most
importantly, dirt and soil must be removed thoroughly without damaging the
object. Surprisingly, until recently, commercially available cleaning brushes
were still being used for this purpose. However, the bristle lengths of general
brushes—ranging from 3 to 10 cm—were often insufficient for thorough cleaning
and could even damage the relics.
In response, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage developed a specialized cleaning brush specifically for cultural heritage. This brush allows researchers to adjust the bristle length, reducing bristle wear and improving cleaning effectiveness. It is also designed for general use, making it suitable for a wide range of artifacts without the need for item-specific customization.
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| wipsglobal.com KR10-2018-0073629, "Brushing tools for cultural properties |
Restoring Artifacts with a 3D Scanner
Artifacts unearthed at excavation
sites are often found in fragmented pieces. A small fragment, just 5 cm in
size, might seem insignificant to the untrained eye but could offer invaluable
clues to researchers. The key is identifying what the fragment belonged to and
reconstructing the original object. This is where 3D scanners become extremely
useful.
The invention utilizes a 3D
scanner to restore cultural relics by scanning the fragments and digitally
matching them with other pieces to predict and reconstruct the original
artifact.
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| wipsglobal.com KR10-2017-0041495, a system providing cultural property restoration services using a 3D scanner |
The system includes units for measuring the fragments, generating 3D models, analyzing data, and creating skeletal models of the objects. In the past, researchers had to manually measure and analyze each piece, which was time-consuming. This 3D scanner-based system significantly improves accuracy and efficiency in restoration.
Color Matching Systems to Restore Original Hues
Cultural artifacts are often
discolored due to corrosion, rust, and wear over time. Iron artifacts, in
particular, can become so rusted that identifying their original form becomes
difficult. This next invention provides a solution for such issues.
It is a color measuring device
designed to aid in the preservation of cultural artifacts by objectively
extracting and recreating their original colors during restoration and
replication processes.
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| wipsglobal.com KR10-2022-0011243, "Measuring device for color matching of cultural properties for preservation and treatment of cultural properties" |
The device includes components such as a magnifying glass for detailed inspection and lighting to remove shadows. Notably, it uses laser technology to match the surface color of the artifact as closely as possible to the original.
Preserving Textile Cultural Heritage Through Artificial Deterioration
Among
the cultural artifacts unearthed, a significant number consist of traditional
textiles and fabric cultural heritage. These textile artifacts, particularly
clothing, serve as a crucial benchmark for accurately assessing the clothing
and costume culture of a given society. However, due to the passage of
extensive time, cotton and other fibers often suffer from weathering or decay,
posing significant challenges for their restoration.
To address this, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage developed a technology that uses artificial deterioration to preserve textile artifacts. A xenon lamp is used for this process. The xenon light source increases brightness without significantly altering the spectral distribution, making it ideal for artificial weathering. This allows for thermal treatment while minimizing changes in fabric durability.
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| wipsglobal.com KR10-2520272 B1, "Artificial deterioration method of silk fabric for conservation of textile cultural heritage and conservation method of textile cultural heritage using the same" |
By exposing the fabric to xenon light at a controlled temperature, the original condition of cotton textiles can be maintained. This method also minimizes loss of tensile strength and changes yellowing index of the fabric, thereby preserving the integrity of the textile for a longer time.
Innovation Illuminates the Value of Cultural Heritage
In this issue,
we've explored the restoration and preservation technologies applied to
cultural heritage and artifacts—our living history. The successful restoration
and preservation of these invaluable treasures have always relied on the
dedicated efforts of countless individuals and the relentless application of
technology. We hope that technological innovation continues to advance,
ensuring the enduring brilliance of our cultural heritage for generations to
come.
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| A researcher at the Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center working on artifact restoration <source: Hankook Ilbo, https://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201903191632365481 > |
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