Corormandle screen

[astrid]

Hi Guys, I just bought the most beautiful chinese folding screen at Joels auctions. It's 6' high by 8' wide in 6 panels.
It's in lovely condition except for one patch where the paint is flaking.
These were made by painting layers of fine clay onto wood, coating with layers of lacquer then cutting throught the lacquer and painting on the clay underbase.351709

This bit is flaking.351710

Does anyone know of a way of fixing (adhereing)the flaky paint to prevent further deterioration ? Alex?
I thought maybe a thin solution of PVA glue painted over the flaking surface but am worried that will make a shiny patch.

[ian]

I'd be consulting the conservators at a capital city Art Gallery

[astrid]

Yeah, I have rung the conservators at the NGV on other matters and have found them to be most helpful. I've just found this book Lacquer: technology and conservation: a comprehensive guide to the technology and conservation of Asian and European lacquer (https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=rp5JklFUpacC&oi=fnd&pg=PR12&dq=Lacquer+:+technology+and+conservation&ots=7GMjkd3mm4&sig=Oqzpx3ftQCY6Cqge1s5J5tdwBEg)

(available from amazon ...at $2800 !!) I can probably get it in an inter library loan. But after reading a tiny bit about this sort of restoration I'll be putting the 0000 steel wool back in the draw :D

I got the screen for a ridiculous $240 ..suposedly "water damaged" nup the white splatters come off with a little steel wool and elbow grease. (on a tiny unobtrusive test patch ) But I'll get some expert advise I think.351716

[AlexS]

Out of my league, I'm afraid. I'd be taking Ian's advice and speaking to a conservator.

[astrid]

Hi Mr Alex..yep I'll ring them on my break tomorrow..might even put that panel in the car and take it over .. I have a vague contact there.

I'm so happy I found this, Lauren says she feels like we stole something from a museum :D It really is an amazing thing.