Conserving Diplomacy

This style of gold robe is inherently fragile due to the delicate netted gold used in its construction, which is susceptible to wear and oxidation. To prepare the robe for transport and display, the loose threads, seams, and embroideries were stabilized by hand-stitching, and a custom padded insert was built to prevent the threads from eroding against themselves. Because of its weight and fragility, the robe had to be exhibited lying nearly flat in order to prevent deterioration at the seams.