Objective Leather cultural relics, as an important material remains of human civilization development process, carry a wealth of historical, artistic, and scientific values. However, due to the unique properties of leather materials, their preservation status is susceptible to various factors such as environmental conditions (humidity, temperature and pollutants), microorganisms, and processing techniques, posing numerous challenges for the conservation and restoration of leather artifacts. Therefore, this study aimed to address the severe challenges in preserving and conserving leather artifacts due to their material characteristics and environmental factors. We systematically reviewed relevant circumstances of leather artifacts unearthed across China, analyzed their characteristics and damage, and assessed the applicability of restoration techniques for leather artifacts in dry environments through specific conservation and restoration cases. This study provides a solid theoretical foundation and practical guidance for establishing more scientific and standardized conservation strategies, optimizing conservation and restoration techniques, and exploring the historical and cultural value of leather artifacts.
Progress This study drew upon national archaeological excavation reports and comprehensive literature reviews to systematically categorize and statistically analyze leather artifacts unearthed in typical regions of China. The research focused on the key geographical areas including arid and semi-arid regions of northwestern China, the Yellow River Basin, the Yangtze River Basin and southern China, and examined their typological characteristics, spatiotemporal distribution patterns, and preservation conditions. Through quantitative assessments of artifact quantities, material compositions, and environmental adaptability across different regions, this study elucidated distinct regional patterns in preservation outcomes. This investigation further explored the material properties, tanning techniques, and prevalent degradation phenomena, including brittleness, mold infestation, decay, deformation, and hardening, while analyzing their underlying mechanisms across various temporal and spatial contexts. A detailed case study of leather artifacts excavated from the Dunhuang Xuanquan Site provided insights into the unique deterioration patterns characteristic of arid environments. The study meticulously documented restoration protocols encompassing cleaning and disinfection, softening treatments, lacunae repair, reshaping, and preventive conservation measures. Specific methodologies included stain removal using 0.5% alkyl polyglucoside (APG) solution, softening with a ternary glycerol-ethanol-water system and protective coating applications employing glycerol-polyethylene glycol formulations. Furthermore, this paper examined the preventive conservation framework implemented at the Gansu Bamboo Slips Museum, which primarily involves rigorous environmental monitoring and climate control within artifact storage facilities. The related discussion critically evaluated both the efficacy and limitations of current conservation and restoration techniques, providing a balanced assessment of their practical applications.
Conclusion This study provided a comprehensive review of archaeological discoveries of leather artifacts unearthed across China, showcasing the diversity and sophistication of ancient leather craftsmanship, as well as its rich historical and cultural value. By identifying the materials and tanning techniques used for these artifacts, summarizing their disease conditions, and presenting case studies of restoration efforts for dried leather, this research established a foundation for developing targeted conservation strategies to protect and restore leather artifacts in the future. In light of the numerous challenges currently faced in leather artifact conservation research, such as the complex influence of environmental factors and the innovation and applicability of conservation techniques, this study proposed specific optimization strategies and future research directions. These strategies include strengthening systematic research on the degradation mechanisms of leather artifacts under different regional and burial environmental conditions, deepening research on the interaction between traditional tanning techniques and modern conservation materials, and improving communication and collaboration to enhance the overall level of leather artifact conservation and restoration. Through these efforts, the study aims to provide more scientific and effective preservation methods for leather artifacts in China and across the world, improve restoration techniques, and promote the inheritance of cultural value. This will offer a more robust theoretical foundation and practical guidance for related fields of research and practice.
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