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These two photographs above show the samurai armour before and after conservation. On the right is the conserved suit on its new permanent mount. On the left is the slumped armour whose damaged lacquer-work was particularly vulnerable to further deterioration.
Conservation began with documentation of the armour. Each item was photographed and the damage identified and noted in detail. Conservator Rose Evans found the suit had been damaged by water, light, incorrect handling, and abrasive polish.
Japanese lacquer can resist most things but prolonged exposure to sunlight breaks down its structure so it becomes porous and vulnerable to water damage and scratching. In Japan, the suits are kept in their own wooden boxes and only worn on ceremonial occasions - clearly not the case for this suit once it left Japan.
After documentation, the suit was x-rayed. X-rays revealed narrow metal inserts designed to give the suit extra protection and strength in vulnerable sections.
Repairs began with work on the textile elements by Textiles Conservator Valerie Carson. Treatment was relatively straightforward involving removal of minor loose surface dirt and the relaxation of of minor creases and folds.
As the work progressed, mounts were built for each section of the armour. Altogether, these support the armour so that it does not have to be moved or touched again. It can be lifted by the base and is stored in a specially-built protective crate. To go on display, it is simply moved on its mount.
Click on the images below to find out more (You will require the latest version of Flash to view the files below. Click here to download Flash).
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