Ming Dynasty Armchair

Description: Ming dynasty huanghuali wood armchair with four protruding ends. Approximate dimensions are: H = 117 cm., (seat) 58.5 cm. W x 43 cm. Woven seat over lacquered (underside of seat) panel(s). Chair is one of pair.

Measuring approximately: 28 ¾” H x 18 ½” W x 10 7/8” Deep

Area of concern: As originally examined in the Academy basement storeroom; water staining (blanching) of wax finish overall; most notably at feet. Some paint transfers at proper right end of top rail and light soiling overall.

Initially it was assumed that the “finish” on armchair consisted primarily of a substantial build of paste wax with the possibility of a clear resin coat[1] on some areas beneath.

Comments: In order to determine a cleaning strategy, testing was performed on the bottoms of the inside back of the front right leg and inside back of left rear leg. These areas were chosen due to the severe discoloration/blanching observed. This type of damage is consistent with the effect of water being absorbed through the end-grain of the feet whereby expansion occurs causing cleavage/rupture of the finish film and separation of the finish from the wood. The lighter color results from double refraction between the wood and the finish layers. When this happens with a wax finish, reestablishing an intact cohesive film is relatively simply performed by use of solvents/heat and additional paste wax. What was discovered is that a clear coat had been applied to the chair overall, and the wax is over it.

Treatment[2]: Seat masked off, all surfaces vacuum cleaned and all top/finished surfaces cleaned with mineral spirits/hexane. A second brief cleaning was done with a water-dampened cloth. Resaturation of the finish with Regalrez® 1126[3] and subsequent re-waxing was successful and photographs of the areas show the effects^[4].

Test areas were cleaned and re-waxed, but the blanched appearance reappeared as the wax dried. Wax was removed with solvents. Attempts to soften and dissolve the clear coat with the hope that it would re-bond to the wood were generally unsuccessful; film partially softened but also began to further separate from the wood.

After treatment images

[1] Inspection using 395 nm UV light indicated the possible presence shellac or similar resin over some areas. Fluorescence was faint where noted. Later solvent testing confirmed the presence of a clear coat that was partially soluble in diacetone alcohol, EtOH and M.E.K, but not in aromatic or less polar solvents tried.
[2] Note: Upon closer examination of this object, a more extensive treatment was required than originally proposed.
[3] A 10% solution of Regalrez® 1126, Kraton® G1657 and Tinuvin® 292 in hexanes/mineral spirits (100g/3g/2g/1,000mL). Resin mixture was applied by brush and allowed to dwell until saturation was achieved. Excess resin was then removed with solvent dampened paper towels .
[4] Acryloid® B-67 and B-72 were also tried but found to not saturate nor consolidate the clear layers effectively.

Honolulu Museum of Art (formerly Honolulu Academy of Arts) 900 South Beretania Street Honolulu, Hawai'i 96814

Description: Ming dynasty huanghuali wood armchair with four protruding ends. Approximate dimensions are: H = 117 cm., (seat) 58.5 cm. W x 43 cm. Woven seat over lacquered (underside of seat) panel(s). Chair is one of pair.

Measuring approximately: 28 ¾” H x 18 ½” W x 10 7/8” Deep

Area of concern: As originally examined in the Academy basement storeroom; water staining (blanching) of wax finish overall; most notably at feet. Some paint transfers at proper right end of top rail and light soiling overall.

Initially it was assumed that the “finish” on armchair consisted primarily of a substantial build of paste wax with the possibility of a clear resin coat[1] on some areas beneath.

After treatment images

Honolulu Museum of Art
(formerly Honolulu Academy of Arts)
900 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96814