Conservation around the Millennium (Hungarian National Museum, 2001)

Pages - 54

Investigated surface: the outer metal coating and the inner yellow and white glass layers.

Method: electron beam microanalysis

Results: Platinum and gold were identified in the metal coating. They were mixed probably in a proportion of 2:1 (the exact proportion cannot be determined since the glass material could not be excluded from the analysis, which distorts the results). The individual layers could not be separated, so beside the silica, sodium and iron content of the glass, only the silica and lead content of the white layer could be identified.

Analysis of the metal ornamentation of the surface

DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND USE

Comprehensive table of the damages caused by the environment, the material and the production technology

Origin of the damage

Causes of deterioration

mechanic damage

broken into 17 pieces at the damaged part

deformation, tension

There remained, probably, tensions in the glass material in result of quick cooling, which caused deformations when released at the damaged part.

damages caused by light

none

biological damages

none

atmospheric and environmental pollution

Solid particles, soot etc. can be seen on the interior and exterior surfaces due to inappropriate storage.

physical damages caused by the production technology

none

chemical damages caused by the production technology

cannot be observed

CONCLUSIONS

The raw materials show a stabile condition, so the relevant treatments and materials cannot harm the object. The white gold on the surface can be sensible to the chosen solvents, while enamel painting can react to mechanic treatments used for the shaping of completions.

EVALUATION OF THE TRACES OF FORMER CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION

The object had once been refitted. The adhesive that had been used became fatigued, the object fell apart, and new fractures appeared. Only the upper part of the jug was damaged when the adhesive released the surfaces of the fragments. In the lower part, the adhesive has kept the fragments safely together. No other traces of treatment than the adhesive used for refitting could be observed on the object.

54