Since our “Behind the Scenes in Conservation” posts have been so popular on social media, we’ve decided to give them more room to shine (and analyze and treat and conserve)! Each week, our conservation team highlights a project from one of their four specialty areas (paper, objects, textile or paintings conservation), giving you an exclusive look into the lab.

We’re putting finishing touches on objects in the upcoming “Masterpieces of Japanese Art” exhibition, opening this Saturday, February 14th.  The lacquer plates of this suit of samurai armor from the late 18^th or early 19^th century.  It’s are getting a light brushing accompanied with the conservation vacuum to remove fine silk dust particles that have settled on the dark, shiny surfaces.  The silk cord ties are aged and brittle, producing tiny fibers which cling to other surfaces.