Environmental humidity can induce irreversible deformation of manuscript supports (expansion, contraction, bending), threatening long-term preservation. Using a controlled-variable design, we exposed Tibetan paper, palm leaf, and birch bark supports to five constant relative humidities (30.0 %, 55.3 %, 76.2 %, 86.0 %, and 95.0 %) and monitored moisture content, dimensional change, and deformation for 145 days. Structural and compositional differences were considered to compare underlying deformation mechanisms. Deformation in all supports increased significantly with humidity, and the magnitude, rate, and patterns matched their hygroscopic/desorption behaviour. Palm leaves showed the largest expansion-contraction, followed by birch bark, while Tibetan paper exhibited the best dimensional and planar stability. Palm-leaf deformation is attributed to highly hygroscopic constituents, a loose microstructure and oriented vascular bundles. Birch-bark lateral curling is governed by structural anisotropy and contrasting hydrophilicity between inner and outer surfaces. Tibetan paper remains stable due to its dense fibre network and traditional manufacturing. Based on the results, ca. 55 % RH is identified as an optimal general storage humidity for all three supports, where projection and expansion ratios fall within relatively stable ranges. These findings establish a unified humidity benchmark for mixed-support collections and support targeted preservation strategies.
Copper ions accelerate the degradation of organic materials; therefore, their identification in historic paper objects is essential for assessing damage risks and support conservation decision-making. In this study, three different test strips for copper ion detection were evaluated: the commercially available Cuprotesmo test, a laboratory-prepared test following Hulthe’s method and a test strip prepared by Han Neevel. The copper tests were evaluated on model papers, historical papers, and solutions containing various metal salts. With the highest limit of detection of 0.22 ± 0.05 % copper, Cuprotesmo is less suitable for determinations in historical papers, as this is comparable to typical copper levels in iron gall inks. Additionally, the test causes pronounced staining on both model and historical materials. Neevel’s tests showed lower limit of detection (0.06 ± 0.04 %) when freshly prepared but produced false-positive responses in the presence of other metal ions, limiting their suitability for routine use. Tests prepared according to Hulthe’s method demonstrated comparable sensitivity to Neevel’s test without ion interference and caused minimal discolouration. Despite a subtle colour change and the need for fresh preparation, Hulthe’s method proved the most suitable under the testing conditions for application to cultural heritage paper objects. Careful assessment of ink or pigment migration remains essential to avoid misinterpretation of the results.
In a conservation project at the Austrian National Library, the condition of green colouration with copper-based pigments on printed maps was assessed in 163 atlases from the 17th century. The pigments of the atlases were characterised by copper indicator papers, XRF, and FORS. The condition of the cellulose fibres was studied with optical microscopy, SEM, and cellulose analysis with carbonyl group labelling. Based on the study of painters’ manuals for the green colouration of maps, test specimens were prepared, treated and submitted to accelerated ageing. The test specimens were evaluated visually, with optical microscopy, colour measurements, and cellulose analysis. The addition of alum and vinegar to solutions of verdigris produced degradation on flax-hemp paper comparable to the degradation observed on copper-green colouration in 17th century atlases. Nine atlases with severe degradation caused by copper-green pigments were selected for treatment with the complexing agent benzotriazole and for stabilisation with precoated Japanese tissue papers that contained the antioxidant tetrabutyl-ammonium bromide.
This study presents the findings of a field-based investigation on the preservation of historic Tibetan manuscripts in nine border monasteries within Shannan City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. As repositories of sacred Tibetan manuscripts, these monasteries face increasing preservation challenges due to a harsh environment, the decline of traditional preservation models, a lack of special preservation funds, and insufficient collaborative efforts in the preservation of historic manuscripts. Through on-site visits and observations, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected to study and record the current status of the historic manuscripts in these monasteries. The problems of Tibetan manuscripts in border monasteries were identified, including the long-term marginalization of historic manuscript preservation efforts, the inaccessibility of historic manuscripts sealed away for preservation, the diminishing role of monks in manuscript preservation, and a breakdown in the transmission of traditional preservation knowledge. The paper proposes several practical suggestions to transform historic manuscript preservation in border monasteries from passive preservation to active use and cultural transmission. These strategies include strengthening legal protections, utilizing modern technology, encouraging the active participation of monks, and establishing specialized training systems. This study contributes to a broader discussion on the preservation of cultural heritage in marginal environments.
This study provides a material-based investigation into the transition of Greek manuscript production from the 11th through the 18th centuries, focusing on four examples preserved in the Pezaros' Collection of the Historical and Paleographic Archive of the National Bank of Greece (MIET). Despite the advent of print technology during this period, manuscript production persisted as a living continuation of Byzantine calligraphic and illumination traditions, particularly within monastic centres such as Mount Athos, Epirus, and Crete. Advanced non-invasive and micro-analytical techniques (multispectral imaging and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS)) were employed to investigate traditional Byzantine practices. The study reconstructs the technical and cultural context of Byzantine and post-Byzantine manuscript production, highlighting the ways in which copyists and illuminators balanced continuity with adaptation. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of Byzantine and post-Byzantine material culture, offering insights into artistic practice, regional variation, and the evolving role of manuscripts until the age of print. Our study provides valuable information about the techniques and materials used in manuscript creation, while also assessing their preservation status. The inks used in the texts were identified, including cinnabar for red inks and iron gall ink for black-brown inks. Additionally, a variety of pigments commonly used during that period were determined, such as green earth and orpiment, which were found in the manuscripts.
