Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration

Investigating the Technology and Conservation and Restoration of the Mosaic Tile Decorative Mosaic Tiles of Musalla Historical Building in Mashhad

Masoud Bater

The Mosalla of Paein Khiaban of Mashhad is one of the largest and most beautiful historic mosallas in Iran, built at the order of King Suleiman I during the Safavid era. according to inscription on the tile of the central porch, the date of construction and completion of the building is 1087 A.H. The architectural structure of the building consists of a high central porch in the middle and two domed porticoes on the sides. Both the internal and external surfaces of the building are decorated with various architectural elements, such as stucco work, tile work, painting and muqarnas. Among the various decorative employed in this structure, the mosaic tiles of the mihrab are unparalleled in terms of beauty and sophistication. Laboratory analysis of the chemical composition of the glaze of the altar tiles using SEM-EDX method demonstrated strong agreement with findings from other researchers, indicating a continuity of the tile-making tradition and glaze production with similar technology throughout the Safavid era across various r regions of Iran. A petrological study of the mineral composition of the body of the tiles also revealed the use of a similar and appropriate mineralogical composition, paired with good firing in their production, which contributed to the strength and durability of the tiles. The pathology of the building and its decorations indicated that a combination of different physical, chemical and human factors caused the destruction and erosion of the structure and its decorations, including the mosaic tiles. Among these, human activities and irregular urban development surrounding the building, along withimproper and careless restorations, played the main role in the destruction and erosion of the tiles. Considering the importance and sophistication of the mosaic tiles of the altar, following laboratory studies, the tiles of this part of the building were conserved and restored. For this purpose, after the primary conservation measures through cleaning and consolidation, the missing parts were restored according to the principles and theoretical foundations of restoration in the method of complementary restoration through color-matching.

An Introduction to The Most Important Typology of Ancient Ceramics

Mohammad yaghizayi

The pathology of pottery works is considered one of the most fundamental pillars of conservation and restoration, as understanding the damage will pave the way for its preservation and restoration. Pottery works are generally more stable than many other materials found in archaeological excavations. However, when these works are buried in inappropriate conditions and unfavorable factors, they can suffer from significant damage. Without proper care in their protection, the result may be complete deterioration of the pottery. Damage to ceramic bodies occurs in two forms: Physical and chemical, along with mechanical factors, can accelerate these processes. In the pathology of clay bodies, it is essential to identify the origins and causes of these damages to implement the effective treatments aimed to enhance the longevity of the ceramics., In the pathology of clay bodies, we can refer to cracks, fractures, crystallization of various salts, damages from firing processes, biological damages, stains, delamination, and more. This research, will provide an overview of the most prevalent damages of clay bodies and the factors that cause them, and the relationship between the formation of one type of damage and its influence on the emergence of other damages. Recognizing these connections can inform more effective methods for the protection and restoration of pottery artifacts.

Petrographic Studies of the Historical Bricks of the Chogha Zanbil World Heritage Site

Hamid Fadaei

The Chogha Zanbil world heritage site in Khuzestan is one of the most important Elamite sites, constructed using materials such as mud bricks and baked bricks. Today, the use of petrographic methods holds a special place in archaeometric studies of historical materials like bricks and stones. This cost-effective method allows for the extraction of valuable technical information from historical materials. The main objective of this article is to identify the mineralogical characteristics of historical brick samples from Chogha Zanbil through the microscopic examination of their thin sections. The details examined in the bricks include the types of minerals that make up the bricks, texture (including grain size and shape), porosity, types of impurities, and their distribution, all presented in detail along with relevant images. The results of the studies indicate that the apparent color of the bricks from Chogha Zanbil ranges widely from yellow, brown, and red to green. Microscopic examinations not only introduce some physical characteristics of the bricks from Chogha Zanbil but also identify the main minerals present in their structure, which include iron oxide grains, calcite, quartz, chert, gypsum, fine mica grains, and feldspar. Additionally, the conducted studies provide a clear picture of the weathering processes affecting the bricks, particularly under the influence of soluble salts.

Investigating the Effects of Silica (SiO2) on the Structure of Glazes

Sarvin Moradi

Glaze is a layer of glossy or matte glass that is applied to the surface of pottery, which not only enhances its beauty but also provides strength and impermeability to the surface. Glazes are divided into several categories according to the type of ingredients as well as the temperature and type of firing. Glazes made from silica are transparent and colorless, which metal oxides such as copper oxide or cobalt, etc. are added to color the glaze. In the primary division, the opaqueness or transparency of the glaze is relevant, which depends on the lead or alkalinity of the glaze. Other classifications of glaze are based on the type of materials used and the firing temperature as well as the firing environment of the glaze. Knowing the types of materials used in the glazes significantly aids in better examination and identification, as well as in recognizing existing defects in the glaze, the type of damage, and the preservation of historical objects. One of the materials used in the structure of historical glazes is silica or flint, which is also used in modern glazes. This substance exists in nature in the form of quartz stones, of which different types have been identified in different parts of the world, plays an important role in the glaze structure. It enhances the bonding between the body and the glaze, and when combined with other materials, it makes the glaze glassy. It plays an important role in the strength of the glaze, and therefore its existence is necessary in the glaze, especially at high temperatures. This research aims to study the physical and chemical structure of silica and its role and importance in glaze formulation. To achieve this, it is necessary first to examine the type and structure of silica, and then discuss its advantages and disadvantages in the structure of the glaze and its importance in the glaze. By studying books and articles this research tries to familiarize the audience with one of the most basic materials used in glaze, which is silica, and how the quantity and type of silica used affects the type of glaze produced.

Report on Conservation and Restoration of Chehrabad Salt Mine Pottery Collection

Fatemeh Alimirzaei

Due to the instability and sometimes sensitivity of archaeological objects, conservation and restoration of them usually require a complex procedure along with basic studies and pathology in the restoration process. Since pottery objects are more stable than other objects, they can be restored after preliminary investigation regarding the level of strength and hardness of surface sediments, if there is no special problem. In this report, we introduce and describe the conservation and restoration process of a number of Zanjan salt men collection pottery, transferred from the Zulfiqari Museum of Zanjan to the pottery department of the Research Center for Conservation of Cultural Relics for conservation and restoration operations. These objects, which were sometimes cleaned and temporarily patched at the excavation site, were thoroughly checked and all connections were opened. The parts were cleaned separately using various mechanical and chemical methods and after finding the correct parts, the connection was made again. Finally, the parts that needed to be reconstructed were reconstructed with plaster following the pattern designed for this collection and considering the basics of restoration.

Reconstruction of Historical Ceramic Objects with Numerous Missing Parts

Ali meirzai

The ceramic objects are one of the most important evidence of the Neolithic era. Due to the physical and mechanical damages, they need proper conservative strategies. The reconstruction of historical ceramic objects with a large number of missing parts has been a challenge for conservators. The importance of this matter is owing to the historical, technological, and aesthetic values of objects. So, their conservation and reconstruction must be in line with the conservation protocols to conserve their integrity. In this paper, we describe reconstructing process of a historical ceramic object belonging to the Neolithic period recovered from Silve Tepe in Piranshahr City in the northwest of Iran. In this process, we are trying a new method for casting on a sample with numerous missing parts. After preliminary studies of the sample, the reconstruction of it is described.

Conservation and Restoration of an Exposed Clay Pot in Silove Hill, Piranshahr City

Ahmad Shakery

The Tepe Silveh site is one of the ancient sites in the Piranshahr region. During excavations conducted in 2015, several terracotta pots were uncovered. The purpose of this project is to restore and protect two terracotta artifacts belonging to this site, This project is therefore of great importance Silweh hill has been completely destroyed in the exploitation plan of Silweh dam and these pottery are the only remaining information from this ancient site. The project aims to prevent further damage to these artifacts in the future by adopting the most appropriate conservation methods.These pottery pieces were found in a very poor and unstable condition, and immediate strengthening was among the most essential initial measures. After conducting the necessary comparative historical studies, efforts were made to adopt the most efficient intervention methods. These pottery were found in a very disorderly and unstable condition, and immediate strengthening was among the most essential initial measures. After conducting the necessary comparative historical studies, efforts were made to adopt the most efficient intervention methods.