Mohammad Amin Emami,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
It is a study of the microstructure of ancient materials that will be investigated using catholuminescence microscopy. The importance of
this method is in the identification of historical materials based on the observation and analysis of structures that are not observable in other
methods of microscopic studies. The cathodoluminescence properties of materials and their microscopic observation can be used both in the analysis of production technology and concerning the historical origin of materials. This study examined several samples of prehistoric and historic ceramics from Haft Tappeh, ChoghaZanbil, Persepolis and some stones from the Pasargadae foundation. The thermal regime and temperature of the pottery are determined based on the type of crystalline material in the pottery matrix and the phase changes during cooking, to interpret the technology and origin of the pottery. On the other hand, identification of the luminescence characters created by the minerals in the carbonate rocks of the Pasargadae and their similarity to the possible mineral rocks in the area (Abolverdi Mine), can provide useful information in identifying the origin of the rocks used in this building. To determine the microscopic applications of catholuminescence, all the materials studied were first studied using standard laboratory methods, such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal studies to determine the phase changes of crystalline and mineral phases and determine the firing temperature of the pottery. Complementary results based on catholuminescence microscopy indicate the observation of the process of crystalline changes and the heating of the pottery matrix based on the type and quality of the raw materials used and their similarities and differences in the pottery texture. Also, the observation of the microstructures of the rocks based on their mineralogy and microfossils which were contained in it and are not normally visible, provides useful information about the similarity of the types of stones used in the construction of Pasargadae with the rock outcrops from the mines around Pasargadae.
Reza Vahidzadeh, Hamid Fadaei,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
The erosion of adobe heritage under the influence of natural factors, especially rainfall and humidity, is one of the most important challenges in the conservation of this heritage today. Alongside traditional options for the protection of adobe heritage, such as the use of straw plaster, in recent years, various chemical products have been marketed for the protection of building materials and components, especially against the threat of moisture, and consequently, serious tendencies have been expressed in the field of evaluating these materials in the field of conservation and restoration. Therefore, the scientific evaluation of the properties of these materials seems necessary for their judicious use. Since many of the chemical materials available in the market are mainly designed for the protection of stone and brick, it seemed necessary to conduct this study in order to protect adobe materials and optimize the penetration of these materials into the adobe texture. In this research, considering the need to increase the resistance of adobes against moisture, the hydrophobic properties of four different commercial products with the names of Stain Repellent AKEMI, SRP130, PTS+ and Long Life, were evaluated and compared with each other on the structure
of adobes. The results of the research showed that although all the commercial materials studied provide the possibility of significantly increasing the resistance of adobe against moisture, the Long-Life material has a higher ability to penetrate and hydrophobize adobes compared to other chemical products. This issue can significantly increase the surface resistance of the adobe against both long-term contact with moisture and against mechanical erosion factors. The results of this research can be used as a basis for future studies in the direction of localizing chemical materials for the protection of adobe works and optimizing their application in the conservation and restoration of adobe historical buildings.
Azam Aliasghari Veshareh, Parisa Mohammadi,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
Biodeterioration results from complex interactions between living organisms and various organic and inorganic substrates, which cause physical and chemical changes on the substrate. These changes are strongly related to the metabolic activities of living organisms. Finding a proper approach against biodeterioration is often difficult, and requires understanding the type of changes and used methods, which should be not harmful for artworks, human health and the environment. In this this article, Reliable databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science were used for information gathering. Physical, mechanical and chemical methods are used to control biodeterioration. Synthetic chemical biocides are often used, but due to their toxicity and environmental hazards, their use is now restricted. New researches focus on alternative solutions with minimal adverse effects. Plants contain natural chemical compounds such as essential oils, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, etc., which are commonly used as drugs, bioactive molecules and nutrients. This study aims to review existing research on the effect of plant essential oils on biodeteriogenic microorganisms of cultural heritage.
Yasin Sedghi, Mohsen Ghanooni,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
The use of non-destructive methods has become one of the most important topics in the field of scientific studies related to the conservation and restoration of historical artifacts. Because the use of such methods has included a large amount of research in this field due to respect for the artifacts themselves and the avoidance of structural interference. This approach is central to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. This paper aims to define and apply a targeted methodology for selecting museum artifacts for display, exhibition, or storage in collections. Furthermore, this article examines the practices of the Dafineh Museums Group regarding the non-destructive analyses conducted on the artifacts in their possession. The research conducted is categorized into two types: portable instrumental methods and technical imaging
methods, developed to support conservation goals, museum display, and authentication of existing artifacts. Therefore, this paper briefly
reports on the major activities undertaken based on the principles of scientific conservation.
Nazli Darkhal,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
Raman microscopy is a powerful, rapid, and non-destructive technique that enables chemical microanalysis and chemical imaging (chemical mapping). These features make Raman microscope an ideal and widely used tool in research and analytical laboratories. Raman analysis is based on the interaction of light with the chemical bonds of the sample and measures the spectrum corresponding to each point of the sample. The Raman signature is obviously dependent on the wavelengths of the excitation and reaction with the substrates. Therefore, each chemical compound has its own characteristic Raman spectrum, and in this way, qualitative and quantitative information can be obtained for each material. This instrumental analysis method, which is also considered non-destructive, can be perform the necessary
study on an object without the need for sampling. Therefore, it is a very suitable method for studying exquisite historical artifacts that are practically impossible to sampling, and today it is of great interest to art and history researchers. The use of this method in the field of cultural heritage (such as restoration, archaeology, and architecture) is generally for identifying and analysis of the constituent materials of art and historical artifacts. Like other methods, it also has its drawbacks and limitations, along with its numerous advantages. Investigating and evaluating the characteristics of historical artifacts and their constituent components with regard to the fields of structure, technology, and pathology using non-destructive analysis (NDT) is one of the most important and considered aspects in archaeometry. In this article, the application of Raman in identifying ancient artifacts, including minerals, stones, patinas and corrosive products, glass, pottery, mortar, paint, adhesives, resin, paper, parchment, ink, and human remains, is examined. Examples of laboratory studies using the micro-Raman spectrometer of the Research Center for Conservation of Cultural Relics are also provided. Microspectrometry and SERS testing can be considered appropriate answer to archaeometric and conservation questions for each category of objects, using specific spectral parameters along with the latest advancements.
Lida Taghizadeh,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
The restoration of historical monuments and the preservation of the culture of each country becomes a national duty. Considering masonry materials of traditional Iranian architecture include clay and adobe with low strength, methods such as Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), waterproofed mud, and the addition of natural materials like zeolite are proposed for restoration and strengthening. The zeolite used has a low specific surface area, which has increased from 23.92 to 45.16 m2/g through plasma modification, Additionally, it has modified the morphology to a fiber-like shape with no essential differences in the primary structure. Given these changes, it is expected that there will be an increase in strength and a minimum of 1.5 times lower water absorption in zeolite-based mortars.
Vahid Aghaie, Mohammad Hossein Dehghani , Zahra Danesh Heidari ,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
In Gallery No. 455 of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA, there is a historical tombstone, originally said to be from Yazd, Iran. The inscription on the stone dates to 759 AH. According to information provided by the museum on its website, the tombstone is attributed to a man named «Sheikh Mahmoud ibn Sada Muhammad,» who is described as the leader of a religious brotherhood. However, the study of the stone›s inscriptions, which, fortunately, are fully available
in both the original script and translation (Arabic and English) thanks to the museum, offers clues for further research into the true owner and the story behind it. Research into the gathered information, beginning with the inscriptions on the tombstone, reveals that the stone actually belongs to Sheikh Mahmoud ibn Taqi al-Din Dada Muhammad Yazdi, one of the great leaders of the Dada’iya Sufi order in Yazd, and a renowned Sufi of medieval Islamic Iran. His name and lineage have been mistakenly recorded, and the name of the Sufi order under his leadership, «Dada’iya,» was erroneously interpreted as a common colloquial term for «brother» in the local dialects of central Iran, particularly in cities like Isfahan and Yazd, where «Dadash» and «Dada» are used informally. This error led to his misidentification as the head of a religious brotherhood. According to descriptions from scholars based on local accounts, the tombstone—along with other gravestones of disciples and sheikhs of the Dada’iya order buried around Mahmoud Shah in the Bundarabad complex in Yazd—was taken abroad at an unknown time, likely in the late 19th to early 20th century, and later ended up in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. This research note presents a description and narrative of this tombstone and the life of its owner, a story that begins in Bundarabad, Yazd, and continues in New York, USA.
Mehdi Razani,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
The Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration Journal, as one of the specialized journals in the field of conservation and restoration of historical and cultural heritage, began its activities in the spring of 2017. With the aim of publishing the latest scientific findings, research, and experiences related to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, the journal has gained a distinguished position among researchers, conservators, and enthusiasts in this field after publishing more than 22 issues. However, after the release of its first issue in the spring of 2017, the journal faced interruptions in
its publication schedule; the second issue was published in the spring of 2018, and the third issue in the spring of 2019. These prolonged interruptions caused the journal to deviate from its regular publication cycle and completely halt its activities for four years. This four-year hiatus resulted in a backlog of 16 issues, until the journal resumed its activities in the summer of 2023 with fundamental changes in its structure and approach. These changes not only led to the revival
of the journal but also placed it in a stable and progressive state. In this note, we will examine the revival process, the actions taken, and express our gratitude to the esteemed colleagues who accomplished this significant task within eight months. After eight months of operation, the journal successfully entered the evaluation process of scientific journals by the Iranian Ministry of Science & technology ubsequently, in February of 2025 it was awarded and recognized with a **Grade B** ranking.
Fatemeh Alimirzaei, Gholamreza Rahmani,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
The Iron Age in Iran (550-1450 BC) and beyond, represents a period characterized by significant social, cultural, economic and technological transformations during its evolutionary stages. Zavarehvar is an Iron Age settlement site located in the Varamin plain in central region of Iran, where numerous excavations have been carried out by various archeologists in recent decades. During the 2017 excavation at the Zavarehvar site, a number of gray pottery pieces related to burials were discovered. Given the distribution of the Iron Age cemeteries and the limited technical studies conducted on these potteries, our understanding of the production methods such as texture, components, and manufacturing processes is crucial for comprehending the pottery production technology of this specific period. Therefore, the results from laboratory studies can be beneficial in finding the production process of these artifacts. This research aimed to provide more precise knowledge for conducting comparative studies and determining the local origin of these artifacts by examining nine Iron Age pottery samples from this region using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and petrographic analysis of thin sections. The results indicated that the main phases of the potteries, based on petrography, include quartz (SiO2), and calcite. The ICP-MS results also largely confirmed some of the petrographic observations. However, a significant part of the chemical clustering of ceramics was not due to heterogeneity in elemental composition, nor to differences in the clay sources used. Additionally, we can say that the potteries are local origin, since the soils studied showed significant similarities in trace elements with the pottery samples, confirming their local origin.
Seyed Iraj Beheshti, Sheyda Ashrafi, Siamak Sarlak,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Petrographic studies play a significant role in understanding the structural characteristics and compositions of ceramic artifacts, contributing to the identification of cultural transformations and exchanges based on technical changes in these objects. As such, it is consistently a central component of studies on analyzable artifacts. The archaeological site of Qoli Darvish, located 3 km south of the city of Qom, spans over an area of approximately 30 hectares and contains valuable archaeological remains, including distinctive types of pottery ranging from the Early Bronze Age to Iron Age I. In this study, aimed at investigating the texture, components, and classification of the pottery, 37 pieces of ceramic artifacts discovered during the 2015 excavations were analyzed. Thin-section petrographic analysis, focusing on identifying microscopic structures and existing minerals, was used for this purpose. The results revealed three distinct textures in the pottery samples: coarse-grained heterogeneous or porphyritic texture, fine-grained or silty texture, and clastic texture. The clay matrix of these ceramics shows minimal sorting of its components and contains grog and coarse fillers. Various igneous rock fragments, grog (remnants of silt, clay, or crushed ceramics), calcite, and quartz are visible in the samples. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the materials used in the production of these ceramics were generally local and sourced from the surrounding region.
Negar Kafilli, Fatemeh Alimirzaei, Somayeh Garakhani,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
The protection of historical monuments has two aspects: one that considers the material features, and the other that considers its spiritual, artistic, historical, and aesthetic values. Therefore, the introduction, documentation and recording various historical works, as a part of the conservation and restoration process, not only promote the understanding and recognition of the values of art and culture, but also aid in their protection and revive. This research aims to address this protective need by introducing the collection of tiles of from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Takht-e Soleiman, as one of the valuable collections of Iranian art, known for its antiquity and diversity. To achieve this goal, a descriptive and analytical method was employed along with the examination and collection of field documentation and library studies. As a result of this study, over 5400 tiles were identified, including all kinds of exquisite luster tiles in diverse shapes and patterns, azure, turquoise, gilded tiles with embossed patterns, geometric tiles, samples of monochromatic tiles, and some brick tiles.
Mohammad Yaghizaei, Atefeh Fazel Najafabadi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Ceramics and the ceramics industry have undergone numerous changes since the emergence of tool-making humans on Earth. These changes have led to the development of various types of ceramics, differing in shape, design, nomenclature, size, preparation and Making methods. These are primarily found in archaeological excavations, and their conservation and restoration can be more accurately performed by understanding and identifying their types and varieties. Ceramics are classified into different types based on their manufacturing technique, firing temperature, the clay used, and the additives used in the clay body. These classifications can sometimes be quite scattered. For instance, based on firing temperature, they can be divided into four categories: stoneware, earthenware, bone China, and porcelain. Based on manufacturing methods, they can be classified into hand-built, slab-built, wheel-thrown, molded, and pressed. The aim of this research is to introduce the most important types of ceramics and their characteristics, including firing temperature, manufacturing technique, and other structural properties and materials used in the body. To achieve this goal, this study will explain some of the terminology used in ceramics and classify ceramics based on firing temperature, manufacturing method, and the type of clay that constitutes their clay body.
Mehdi Razani, Arina Rashid Zadeh, Ramin Mohammadi Sefidkhani,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
The Reconstruction of damaged cultural-historical artifacts is essential for facilitating communication with the audience and, in some cases, in their conservation. The methods used for reconstructing pottery artifacts vary based on their destructive characteristics, missing parts, and the requirements of the cultural-social context. These methods have been carried out using different materials and techniques throughout different periods. Naturally, as science advances in the field of conservation and restoration, these methods and materials continue to evolve. This article not only introduces some restoration methods for pottery objects but also delves into the restoration of delicate pieces using the papier-mâché technique. Reconstructing delicate objects presents challenges concerning stability and balance due to the added weight the use of numerous filling materials during the reconstruction of missing parts can create problems in maintaining the balance and stability of the artifact. Therefore, in order to assess the papier-mâché method in restoring delicate and lightweight pottery artifacts, a fine and lightweight vessel acquired from the archaeological excavations at the Silveh tepe, situated in West Azarbaijan province, was restored. The main objective of this article is to introduce and implement a fresh approach for reconstructing fragile pottery objects with papier-mâché, which is deemed a thoughtful method due to its lightness, strength, ease of modification, and ability to preserve the balance and stability of the artifacts.
Shiva Razavi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Pottery is one of the artistic-technical craft that has persisted for several millennia from prehistoric times to the present day. Such artifacts, particularly in Iran, exhibit high stylistic and technological diversity. In most archaeological excavations, consistently various types of these artifacts from different historical periods and styles have been discovered, whose technical study and form recovery can provide valuable information to researchers in various fields. Among these excavations is the Tappeh-Silveh in Piranshahr, where diverse pottery dating back to the Chalcolithic, Early Bronze Age, Iron Age, as well as remnants from the Parthian period and the subsequent Islamic period have been uncovered. The specimen studied in this article is a decorated orange pottery piece with black and red colors and geometric patterns, belonging to the Bronze Age from this site. This piece has sustained damages such as fractures, losses, and deposits, , which have been improperly repaired. It requires cleaning, reattachment, and reconstruction of the missing parts, while adhering to the theoretical principles of conservation. Accordingly, after necessary pathological and technical studies of the artifact using laboratory methods, an appropriate cleaning method was selected, and essential actions were taken towards its protection and restoration.
Mehdi Alavi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
In the past, the art of designing and painting tiles was passed from master to apprentice, and each time the creativity of different artists gave a different effect to these works. Therefore, the methods of drawing these motifs have never been written down. As we know, most of the motifs used in the decoration of historical tiles have a geometric origin, and their analysis or drawing requires knowledge of projection. Therefore, in this note, an attempt has been made to propose the hypothesis of the matching of symmetrical elements in the patterns of historical tiles with the symmetrical elements of material crystals, while examining the geometric structure of different motifs, rules based on symmetry data are presented for drawing these motifs. It is believed that with the help of this method, the rearrangement of traditional motifs in the tile production industry, as well as their recovery for the restoration of damaged parts using formula writing and marking, will become easier.
Mehdi Razani, Parisa Zahedi, Omid Omidian,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Abstract
Maryam Shirvani, Sara Zareiyan Jahromi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Abstract
The heritage remaining from the short era of Zandiyeh in Shiraz are very diverse and decorated with various decorations. The use of stone can be seen in different parts of these buildings, such that it is used in the external and internal plinths of the building, columns, paving yard and ponds. The plinth walls are sometimes decorated with paintings and sometimes with sculptures, and one of the unique plinths is the battle of Rostam and Ashkboos in the courtyard of Divan Khaneh complex. The purpose of this paper is the scientific pathology of the changes and destructions created in the carvings of Divan Khaneh building. The main question raised is how short-range photogrammetry technology can help accurately document damage to historical relief monuments. The research method is applied and experimental. which has been evaluated using survey and field research. The obtained results state that the use of photogrammetric method is a safe method that is very effective in damage imaging and can show the amount of changes made in the main structure of the stone. In this method, the amount of decay and various destructions of the sculptural effect was evaluated and analyzed, which includes separation, cracks and fissures, material loss, erosion, discoloration, and sedimentation.
Maryam Rahsaz, Mohsen Ghaseminezhad Rayeni,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Abstract
The present research report describes the rescue operation conservation and restoration of the relief on block No. 4 of the eastern part of the Northwest Gate of the Sad Sotūn (Hundred Pillars) Palace of Persepolis complex that consists of east and west parts. During the years 1980 and 1981, only on western part of this structure, some restoration, anastylosis, reconstruction and consolidation measures were carried out by the conservation specialist office of Persepolis under the supervision of Master Hassan Rahsaz by some traditional masters. Therefore, no actions had been taken regarding the eastern part until 2017. following the monitoring and analysis of the destruction process on the motifs on this part of the gate, conservation and restoration experts decided to run a conservation and restoration workshop and carry-out rescue operations for these motifs. Undertook to act on the basis of modern methods based on new materials and trained by Iranian and Italian expert’s restoration methods. This report will specifically address one of the blocks. The authors hope to describe, analyze, and present a portion of the efforts undertaken to expand modern conservation initiatives at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Persepolis.
Hamidreza Irani, Gholamreza Yazdani,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Abstract
The “Bismillah stone” inscription is one of the significant works of the Qajar era in the Azarbaijan Museum of Tabriz since 1993. This work was crafted in Cairo, Egypt by an Iranian artist named Mohammad Ali Quchani known as Mirza Sangalakh. The artifact comprises five segments, collectively weighing approximately more than three tons. Most of damages caused in this work, considering its delicate decorations and substantial weight, has been attributed to its multiple relocations. In addition to very delicate carvings, the surface of the work is decorated with blue, gold, green, black, white and red colors. It seems that in addition to the ups and downs history of this work and its cultural significance within contemporary society, particularly among the people of Tabriz, only a review of its history will not be enough to express its status, value and unique characteristics. Therefore, a more detailed and scientific study could significantly enhance the understanding and appreciation of this work. Furthermore, for improved preservation and potential restoration of the work, documentation and scientific studies are needed for this magnificent work. To identify the materials and origins of existing colors, the application of scientific and laboratory methods was put on the agenda. To achieve this, two methods of classical chemistry testing and EDX analysis were employed to identify the present colors. the results confirmed the presence of indigo, copper rust (cuprous oxide), gold powder, Shangraf (cinnabar), bone soot and sheikh white (white lead) in the coloration of the artifact.
Seyed Iraj Beheshti, Nahid Vahabi Kashani ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Abstract
The Niavaran Cultural-Historical Complex is situated within a vast garden of approximately 11 hectares garden in northern Tehran, characterized by its rich natural beauty and historical significance. The buildings in this complex date back to the Qajar and Pahlavi eras, including the Sahebqaranieh Palace, the Ahmad Shahi Pavilion, Niavaran Palace, a private library, and the Jahan Nama Museum. Among these, the Ahmad Shahi Pavilion, one of the Qajar palaces in the complex, lacks any dated inscriptions or historical markers.; however, evidence suggests that this building was constructed during the reign of Ahmad Shah Qajar. This two-story building houses personal belongings of Reza Pahlavi. On the ground floor, in the western section of the building, there are two rooms separated by glass display cases. Four large glass display cases segregate these two rooms, containing 106 pieces of rough and cut precious and semi-precious stones, along with several fossils. The primary objective of this article is to study and identify the stone and fossil specimens present in these display cases. The studied stones are primarily quartz in various colors, alongside mineral specimens such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, stibnite, sulfur, and precious stones like beryl, as well as various types of fish fossils, ammonites, trilobites, and contemporary fossils such as corals and fish. Three notable specimens in these display cases include a natural diamond associated with a kimberlite host rock, likely originating from South African mines; a tektite meteorite sample brought from the moon, which was gifted by then-President t Nixon; and several beautiful rough turquoise mineral samples with a host rock originating from the Nishapur turquoise mine. A significant drawback of this collection is the lack of historical information regarding how these collectible specimens were gathered, purchased, or gifted, and by whom.
