Cleaning and Oil Treatment
The entire display was carefully prepped and cleaned to remove surface dust and debris using soft brushes and
non-abrasive cloths. Seed oil was applied to nourish and rehydrate the wood, with a two-day resting period to
ensure full absorption and prevent surface tackiness.
Frame and Glass Restoration
The top of the frame was dismantled and all residual glue removed for a secure, stable reassembly. A custom 1,5 mm
Plexiglas panel was fabricated and installed at the rear of the frame to protect the Chinese calligraphy. The original
2 mm glass was retained at the front, as only 3 mm replacements are available, and would not fit the frame opening.
Structural and Aesthetic Woodwork
New balsa wood inserts (x2)) was cut and fitted to the upper frame area, compensating for any loss of original
wood. and custom balsa wedge was crafted for extra support on the back of the frame., balsa wood was selected
due to its lightweight strength and compatibility with the existing structure. Once assembled, the ill-fitting top
corners and joints were filled, sanded, and colour -matched with stain and paint to blend. A matte finish was
applied to the frame only to unify the appearance. A small post was made to match the 3 remaining corner posts.
Metalwork and Surface Finishing
Decorative metal accents were cleaned with solvents safe for their finish, ensuring the metalremained untouched and avoiding any abrasive or
corrosive substances. A matte protective sealer was applied to both the frame and the metal elements to prevent future oxidation and preserve the
aesthetic integrity in varying climates.
Consolidation and Bonding
All original joints and structural components were checked and, wherever necessary, strengthened with conservation-grade adhesive. Remaining
areas were reinforced to ensure stability, retaining as much original material as possible in keeping with conservation principles.
Final Notes and Repair Considerations
Maintaining the original glass is highly preferred for antique objects; therefore, replacement occurred only where
absolutely necessary. All restoration work used subtle colour-matching and reversible fillers and adhesives,
typical of professional museum and gallery standards. The use of matte sealer assists in protecting metal
decorations from future tarnishing.
Additional parts enclosed: One 10 cm round, to serve as a replacement in the event of a dowel breakage.
The frame holder was not glued (on purpose) to the supporting body, for easier future packing and transport.
Note: This repair method preserves the display's structural integrity and aesthetic value, while respecting
traditional construction techniques found in Chinese decorative arts.