Scientific Analysis on the Accessory Ornament of Woolen Tapestry Curtain in Seoul Museum of Craft Art

Abstract

Woolen tapestry curtains possessed by the Seoul Museum of Craft Art were used to hung on the wall or used for carpets in the winter season in the late Joseon dynasty. Since similar artifacts were only used for the curtain as functional aspects, woolen tapestry curtains were a rare case. In this study, scientific analysis on the accessory ornament of woolen tapestry curtains such as components of metal accessories and frame bar were conducted with the microscope, p-XRF, and SEM. Result of frame bar pigments, organic pigments such as ink stick were likely been used in woolen tapestry curtain 1. In woolen tapestry 2, lead red (Minium) was used in the frame bar. The result of metal parts, copper, and zinc were analyzed by p-XRF. This suggests that metal accessories were crafted using brass. Frame bar of woolen tapestry curtain 2 was made of soft pine (Pinus spp.) analyzed with the scanning electron microscope. Artifacts like woolen tapestry curtains are rare in Korea and scientific analysis databases were scarce, so it is important to construct components analysis data of woolen tapestry curtains. It is expected that additional scientific analysis and interpretation on the artifact’s crafting technique can be merged with the analytical data gathered in this study to be utilized on the conservation and restoration of not only woolen curtains but curtain artifacts of the late Joseon dynasty in general.