This week in objects conservation: ceramic conservation! These two 1930’s ceramic vases are in the conservation lab to be repaired. Both pieces have suffered small losses to the glaze and ceramic body. To fix this damage the first step is to use a conservation grade filler to fill in any losses to create an even, level surface. The fills are then polished with a very fine micro mesh to achieve a smooth glossy appearance that matches the surrounding area. Once the fill has been prepped it is painted with acrylic paints to match the color of the glaze. The painted fills are then coated with a clear acrylic glaze and polished again with micro mesh to mimic the shiny appearance of the glaze.  

Image Credit: Dagobert Peche (Austrian, b. 1887, d.1923), Vase, Circa 1930, glazed ceramic. Gift of Wiener Werkstatte. 1930.40

Image Credit: Josef Hoffmann (Austrian, b.1870, d.1956), Vase, Circa 1930, Gift of the Wiener Werkstatte. 1930.41