Course Description

Science research methods are indispensable in order to preserve and utilize cultural properties and make them a reference material for history. Various science methods have been used in fields such as analysis of materials and techniques, estimation of the origin and production area of materials, dating, and preservation of objects excavated from archaeological sites. Cultural properties are composed of various raw materials which are organic materials such as wood, lacquer, bone, horns and shells, and inorganic materials such as metals, soil, rocks and minerals. Therefore suitable analytical and conservation methods are required depending on each material. In this practice, you will learn methods to visualize and examine the shape and structure of cultural properties using analytical equipment, the conservation methods of excavated metallic and wooden objects, and identification of rocks and minerals in volcanic ejecta, stoneware, earthenware.
This practice will be held for four days from the end of August to the beginning of September 2021 at the Research Institute of Cultural Properties in Yamanashi prefecture.