Natural deterioration and conservation treatment of the granite standing Buddha of Daejosa Temple, Republic of Korea

Abstract

The Daejosa Buddha is formed of highly weathered coarse grained biotite granite. The main body is dark green due to a covering of lichens. The main body of the Buddha has developed nearly vertical, horizontal and oblique joint systems. Results of physical properties for the rock samples from the Daejosa Buddha are lower than for normal fresh granite as the primary minerals of the host rocks have been altered to clay and iron hydroxide minerals. Spore and mycelium of green algaes and some plants cover the surface of the standing Buddha and fill the pore space of the surrounding rocks. Considering the weathering and state of deterioration, the Buddha statue requires conservation treatment. Restoration may be largely divided into the head part, upper and lower parts, and the back side of the Buddha. The head and the cap rock were joined and restored with unslaked lime filling. The head and stone crown of the Buddha were fitted and restored using an epoxy type resin with high viscosity that was mixed with granite powder and talc as petro-fillers. For the back side, resin was applied for reinforcement. Araldite and hardener of low viscosity that were used with the addition of glass fibers. Finally, texture and color matching treatments were carried out.