Wax on, wax off?  Dirt on, dirt off!  Cleaning has made a marked difference for the top section of this shinguard—or suneate—from a set of Japanese armor being prepared for exhibition next year.  The difference is so dramatic you can clearly see the line between “before” on the right and “after” on the left in this picture from the textile conservation lab.  The dark grey grime stuck to the surface of the suede leather and silk cords was removed using sponge-tipped swabs and a conservation vacuum. (Japan, 1881.152)

Image Credit:

Japan; Suit of Armor, Gift of Mrs. Enoch T. Carson through Women’s Art Museum Association; 1881.152