Studies on Conservation of the Beeswax-treated Annals of Joseon Dynasty

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Annals of Joseon Dynasty, which recorded governmental affairs for 472 years (AD 1392-1863) dur-ing the Joseon dynasty is an representative paper cultural heritage in Korea. Being recognised their au-thenticity and values they were designated as the No 151 national treasure of Korea in 1973 and registered as 'The Memories of the World' by UNESCO in 1997. Unusually, some volumes of the Annals were treated by beeswax for the permanent preservation. However, the examinations on the deterioration of the beeswax-treated volumes had been exposed the serious damage than the untreated volumes. In particular, the larger amount of beeswax were worst in deterioration condition.In order to solve these problems, NRICH(National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage) of Korea launched the investigation study for the conservation of beeswax-treated volumes of the Annals. Now then, the five study areas have been set up; 1) to understand the damaged condition of the Annals; 2) to analyse the raw materials and produc tion techniques; 3) to test the degradation degree using the duplica-tion samples for understanding the aging factors and mechanism; 4) to develop the conservation techni-ques through dewaxing and thereafter strengthening the base paper of Hanji; 5) to develop the long-term storage technique using inert gases. On the basis of outcomes from this study, NRICH will plan to estab-lish the systematic conservation and management plan for the beeswax-treated volumes of the Annals in future.