M. Járó - L. Költő szerk.: Archaeometrical research in Hungary (Budapest, 1988)

Selected Bibliography - Summaries

Járó M.: The technological and analytical examination of metal threads on old textiles, = Proceedings of the 4th International Restorer Seminar, Veszprém, Hungary, 1983. Vol. 2. pp. 253-264. Information regarding the technology of metal threads utilized for the ornamentation of old textiles as well as that of the material of the metal may be important not only for the history of technology but also for determining age and origin of the thread and for justifying the use of a particular restoration method. On the basis of the results of microscopic studies and material tests, the thread may be typed among several groups of metal threads. It is possible to draw conclusions on how it was produced, and comparative analyses may also be carried out. Tímár—Balázsy Á.: The role of material tests in textile conservation = Proceedings of the 4th International Restorer Seminar, Veszprém, Hungary, 1983, Vol. 2, pp. 229-240. The essay presents some characteristic cases illustrating the aims of material tests as well as their effect on the treatment of certain objects. Járó M.: The investigation of the metal embroidery threads of the Hungarian coronation mantle by scanning electron microscope and physical methods of analysis = Preprints of the 7th Triennial Meeting of the ICOM Committee for Conservation, Copenhagen, 1984, I. 22 -1.24. The Hungarian coronation mantle was probably produced in the 13th century by recutting an 11th century chasuble with gold embroidery on it. The technology of the making of the metal threads was investigated in the course of an overall examination prior to conservation-restoration. The ten samples to be examined were taken both from the original pift^and from pieces which have been confirmed as later additions as well as from patches which were sewn to it by way of mending. In order to study the morphology of the threads, scanning electron microscopic photos were taken while neutron activation analysis was carried out to detect the major and minor elements in the metal itself. The examination of trace elements took place by optical emission spectrometry. On the basis of the morphology of the threads the following two major groups could be distinguished: (1) Metal strips produced from a piece of wire by hammering or rolling spun round a silk core; (2) Metal strips cut off from metal plates spun round a silk core. Within each group further characteristics could be observed reflecting the advancement of the technology. On the basis of the material tests also two groups could be distinguished: (1) Gold threads; (2) Gilded silver threads. Quite naturally within each group further subgroups could be established according to the quantitative and qualitative analysis. Thus the complementary morphological and analytical tests not only revealed information concerning the techniques of manufacture but also made it possible to identify and range certain pieces (e.g. patches) with parts whose chronology had already been verified.