Improving Appearance

Dirt and soiling often gathers in holes, crevices and recesses of objects. Even though it looks like it can just be brushed away, it has in fact hardened and become ingrained over time. This means that tools such as scalpels, bamboo skewers, and even such things as dental tools or porcupine quills are often required to fully remove it.

Cleaning the soiling from the small recesses is a delicate job, requiring a steady hand in order not to damage the object’s surface. But, if done properly it can drastically improve the appearance of an object. It can also help to better reveal the design and decorative elements of the artefact.

Above: (left to right) Mount with interlaced design before, during, and after cleaning with a scalpel

Above: (left to right) Small mount with enamel decoration before, during, and after cleaning with dental tool

Above: (left to right) Part of a nesting weight before, and after conservation treatment