Characterization of Asian and European Lacquers

With a history of production in Japan and China dating back to 5000 BCE, lacquerware began to be exported in the mid-16th century to Europe, where such objects were desired due to their uniqueness and great beauty. In the 17th century, European craftsmen began integrating panels removed from Asian lacquered screens into new pieces of furniture, which were then completed with panels that imitated the look and motifs of Asian lacquer, albeit using radically different materials and techniques. These European imitation lacquer techniques have been referred to as "japanning."

Compositional and technological differences between Asian and European lacquers affect their aging behavior and long-term stability, which ultimately impact the lacquers' conservation. Scientific analysis of these lacquers could provide conservators with vital information about the composition and condition of the lacquer layers, aiding in the development of appropriate conservation treatments.

In response to these needs, scientists from the Conservation Institute collaborated with Getty Museum conservators to develop a methodology for sampling and analysis of the organic components of Asian lacquers and their European imitations that improves upon existing techniques both in terms of sensitivity and range of detectable compounds. Nine pieces of mid-18th-century French furniture from the Museum that incorporate panels of Asian lacquer as part of their surface decoration served as case studies.

In addition to aiding in the development of appropriate conservation treatments, technical data from these case studies was included among the information on these pieces in a catalog of Getty's permanent collection.

Preservation Society of Newport County; Instituto dos Museus e da Conservação, Lisbon; Lichtenstein Collection, Vienna-Vaduz; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Nelson-Atkins Museum; Palace of Schönbrunn, Vienna; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; Temple Newsam House, Leeds; Victoria and Albert Museum

Former team members: Jing Han, GCI Professional Fellow (2017–2020)