The Material Analysis and Conservation Treatment of Six Modern Korean Calligraphic Paintersʹ Collaborated Works of Folding Screen: Focused on ‘Sansu’

Abstract

The collection of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, features a sansu folding screen that was created in 1940 to commemorate the sixtieth birthday of Soseok Kang Jin-Koo. It was created by six oriental painters, who were among the ten best painters in that era. The folding screen has been previously repaired and restored; however, owing to damage such as twisting of its wooden frame, abrasion, and moisture stains, rigorous conservation treatment is required. Hence, scientific research was conducted to analyze the textile, paper and pigments employed while creating the folding screen, to identify the associated material properties. Results showed that the textile used in the screen's picture and janghwang comprise synthetic fibers and natural fibers such as cotton and silk. Various types of papers were used in the folding screen, such as those from mulberry, herbaceous, and coniferous fibers. Furthermore, calcite deposits were found on the base of every picture, and certain colors employed by the artists appear to be produced from different pigments.