Conservation Science in Museum (박물관보존과학)

Abstract

Conservation re-treatment of dagger and scabbard in Gyeongju National Museum, which were excavated from Gyerim-ro Tomb No. 14 (Treasure No. 635) was carried out after a wide-scale dissembling in order for publishing a report and holding a special exhibition. The interior shape of the iron dagger which was disclosed by ornament plates was confirmed by X-ray investigation. The results of XRF analysis which was used to analyse compositions of the golden ornament plates reveal that having more than 3% of copper distinguishes it from other Silla gold artifacts. The conservation treatment progressed in a way that surface contaminants were removed and insecure areas were consolidated. The original shape of the iron dagger and scabbard was found after adhering and restoration. With the ornament plates staying on the iron dagger, a stand in acrylic for display and storage was made, which is able to place the dagger and scabbard in the safest way.