Collaborative Research
A study on Development and Application of Scientific Methods Specialized for Historical Materials
| Type of Research | Scientific Research |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Study of the Analysis of Scientific Materials |
| Research Title | A study on Development and Application of Scientific Methods Specialized for Historical Materials |
| Head of the Research Team | SAITO Tsutomu |
| Research Period | 2007–2009 |
| Research Team |
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| Purpose | As means of determining the physical attributes, production areas, and ages of various historical materials, the group developed new methods by which they could understand the characteristics of those materials. These methods took multiple angles and employed image analysis, in addition to conventional chemical analysis. Among various historical materials, the group focused on metals—an approach that has a strong research precedent—and related materials suitable for image analysis, in order to obtain a clear vision of the overall craft techniques used in preparing those materials. In the chemical analyses, the group mainly conducted production-area estimations through composition analysis and lead-isotope analysis, as well as material investigation and age determination through metal-structure analyses. With respect to image analysis, the group will develop new analytical methods and examine their efficacy in terms of material determinations and analyses, based on light-source conditions and photography techniques; the automated classification of respective parts' shapes; and the evaluation of three-dimensional objects, based on determinations of surface appearances and while using techniques such as spectral reflectivity and visible fluorescence reaction. |
2008
Progress
The group had two workshops; for each, members chose some materials suitable for the purpose of the study, conducted analyses thereof, and initiated discussion.
Result
The group examined research results, focusing especially on iron products and color prints. Concerning iron products containing high levels of arsenic—all of which have been controversial for some time—the possibilities of relations to the Korean Peninsula arose as a result of analyses on those excavated in Japan and examinations of archaeological sites. Based on comparisons with artifacts excavated from the Talchon ruins (or Tarune in Japanese) in Ulsan, South Korea, the area was identified as a possible production area for these iron products. On this issue, further accumulation of analytical data is required, especially on artifacts excavated in South Korea.
On the other hand, the group conducted temperature measurement of Katana (Japanese swords) during the quenching process, using infrared thermography; it did so, to examine relations between Ha-Mon (wavelike patterns on the blade) and heating temperature, as well as the thermal effects of Yaki-ba-tsuchi (soil pasted on the blade before quenching.)
The group also conducted material analysis of color-print pigments, using a portable Raman analyzer. Results thereof were reported at the special exhibition "The How and Why of Nishiki-e Production."
2007
Progress
The group had three workshops. Since its the first year, guest speakers have been invited and materials appropriate to the purpose of the study, as well as the appropriate analysis methods used to identify their characteristics, were examined.
Result
The group focused on metal products, color prints, and dye materials, a comprehensive examination was conducted of the characteristics of respective analysis methods and the types of materials applicable to them, based on the results of analysis that combined chemical analysis methods such as X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, radiography, etc., and image-analysis methods such as visible/near-infrared spectra and ultra violet spectra. In the process, the group found that color prints among the NMJH collection are especially suited for the purpose of the study, for a number of reasons, the groups agreed to continue applying other methods of analysis on them, also paying attention to issues specific to art history. The group also decided to continue searching appropriate materials and examine analysis methods on which it had not focused this year.
