Feather Analysis and Restoration Techniques Trends for Conservation of the Traditional Korean Featherwork

Abstract

This paper highlights scientific analyses and treatments of cultural heritage made of feathers in Korea. While research on the conservation and treatment of featherwork has been systematically conducted in North and South Americas, it has not attracted much attention in Korea because featherwork has been rare. In many cases, if any, feathers have been used as a decorative material in composite works. In this study, we propose a conservation treatment plan for domestic featherwork based on foreign case studies of similar works. Basic characteristics such as structure, material characteristics, and colour are presented in order to establish a solid foundation of knowledge about feathers and to use this foundation for the basis of treatments. Analyses using ultraviolet rays and amino acid composition of feather will be explored to investigate the condition of feathers. XRF analyses are also an important tool to determine the presence of heavy metal pesticides on feathers. Upon determining the stability of feathers and presence of pesticides, treatments such as surface cleaning, stabilization, restoration, and packaging/storage methods will be presented using examples of specific materials and tools. It is hoped that the groundwork for conservation of featherwork and feathers in composite works in Korea will be launched through this paper.