Behind the Scenes in Conservation: This pair of 12^th-13^th C Chinese funerary jar are currently in the objects conservation lab. As archaeological objects once buried, they still have soil still attached to their surfaces, obscuring the pale teal glaze. The first step in cleaning was to use soft brushes to physically clear loose dirt, the next step was to use solvents to wash away any dirt that remained.

Upon removing the reddish soil, old breaks were revealed around the neck of one of the jars. These joins were carefully cleared of old adhesives and repaired with modern materials that will remain stable overtime. Both of the jars should be ready for display in the Asian Art Galleries later this year.

Image: 

Funerary Jar, 12th Century-13th Century, ceramic, Gift of Dr. Young Ghon Kim, Bukang Yu Kim, and Family in honor of Dr. Hou-mei Sung, 2018.116

Funerary Jar, 12th Century-13th Century, ceramic, Gift of Dr. Young Ghon Kim, Bukang Yu Kim, and Family in honor of Dr. Hou-mei Sung, 2018.117