Material Analysis and Conservation Treatment for Mother‐of‐Pearl Floor Mirror at Daejojeon Hall of Changdeokgung Palace, Korea

A mother-of-pearl floor mirror from Daejojeon Hall at Changdeokgung Palace Complex, South Korea, was found to be primarily constructed using Dalbergia spp. wood, with later repairs involving Shorea spp., according to material analysis. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed that the varnish used matches lacquer spectra, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis identified brass in metal wheels and line decorations, suggesting modern craftsmanship. Prior to conservation treatment, the mirror's structural instability was exacerbated by missing submaterials and foreign surface adhesives. Conservation efforts restored its original appearance using the same wood species confirmed through scientific surveys.

Park, S. Z., Hwang, I. S., Yoon, E. y., Lee, J. J., & Song, J. A. (2019). Material Analysis and Conservation Treatment for Mother?of?Pearl Floor Mirror at Daejojeon Hall of Changdeokgung Palace, Korea. Journal of Conservation Science, 35(1), 61–70. https://doi.org/10.12654/jcs.2019.35.1.07