National Museum holds special exhibition on conservation science

The portrait of Jeong Gon-soo in official uniform of Joseon Dynasty was once known to have been drawn at the end of the 16th century when he was sent as envoy to the Ming Dynasty during the Japanese invasions of Korea between 1592 and 1598 . However, an interesting fact was discovered in 2008 while on an X-ray scanning test. The clothing of the Qing Dynasty was discovered in a separate rough stretch. The result: it was determined that the portrait was made after 1616 when the Qing Dynasty was formed.

The role of conservation science in the appraisal of the authenticity of cultural assets and inquiry into their production background are becoming ever more important. Recently, the National Forensic Service found evidence of counterfeit in "Jeungdogaja," a movable metal type, through a 3D metal CT scanning.

The National Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition called "Conservation Science: Protecting Korea's Cultural Assets," to mark the 40th anniversary of its conservation science division.

The exhibition will display 57 pieces of work, including the Earthenware Funerary Objects in the Shape of a Warrior on Horseback, National Treasure 91, that went through conservation treatment. In the "Prologue" section, the process of restoring cultural assets of national treasure levels, including "Reliquary from the Gameunsa Temple Site Stone Pagoda (National Treasure No. 366)" will be displayed. In "Part 1: Materials and Technology of Korean Cultural Assets," cases of cultural asset analysis equipment including X-rays, and infrared and UV rays will be displayed. In "Part 2: Curing Ill Cultural Assets," the museum's key performance of conservation treatments will be displayed including "King Isaji" from Silla Geumgwanchong Ancient Tomb.

The conservation treatment room has been reenacted within the exhibition center where visitors can see staff doing their work.

김상운 기자sukim@donga.com