Restoration of Decorative Patterns

The Palace Museum is currently undertaking the preservation and restoration of Yangxin Hall. To ensure an effective and efficient restoration process, the initial step involves assessing the current condition of the wallpaper or floor mat. Additionally, identifying the repetitive decorative patterns is crucial for achieving accurate and high-quality restoration results.

RESTORATION

Angel Duan

8/24/2023

Ceiling Wallpaper

During my intern, I independently carried out data collection on the current state of the ceiling wallpaper above the emperor's bed, including images, dimensions, and other details. I processed the images, recreated the original appearance on the computer, and identified the repeating units, providing a solid foundation for future restoration work.

Wallpaper of the Side room

The wallpaper features a unique floral pattern, believed to have been a gift from a Western country to the imperial palace. Unfortunately, it was installed on the walls of a side room designated for servants, where it has not been adequately preserved over the past 500 years. This has resulted in large missing areas in the pattern, significantly increasing the difficulty of restoration. Through image processing and analysis, along with repeated comparisons, the possible repeating unit was eventually identified.

Floor Mat under the Throne

Among the well-preserved artifacts in Yangxin Hall, the floor mat stands out with its pattern still clearly recognizable. However, the restoration team faces a significant challenge due to the material's severe decay. Every step of the restoration process, from meticulous cleaning to detailed photography, must be carried out with utmost care and a strong sense of preservation to safeguard this delicate piece of history.