These old signboards that once hung from palace buildings were recently restored by the conservators of the National Palace Museum of Korea. Bearing the names “Gyeongandang” and “Pyeongnakjeong”, the signboards acquired their current shape after a complex treatment process involving the cleaning, stabilization and restoration of the missing parts, as well as color matching and assembly.
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Korea has a long tradition of marking a building by hanging from it a wooden sign bearing its name. As shown by the many classical buildings of Gyeongbokgung Palace, signboards were typically hung at the center of the front eaves.
Gyeongandang Signboard
The word “Gyeongandang” (敬安堂) is embossed in relief on white background. Gyeongandang refers to the Seonwonjeon Temple ritual shrine (Iancheong) at Gyeongbokgung Palace which was restored during the King Gojong era. Seonwonjeon Temple is located at the present site of the National Folk Museum of Korea. The frame features a multi-color pattern on red background. The horizontal and vertical arabesque work on each side of the frame connects to each other.
Pyeongnakjeong Signboard
The word “Pyeongnakjeong” (平樂亭) is embossed in relief on white background. The frame features a multi-color pattern on red background. Pyeongnakjeong is located at Seonhuigung, the shrine of Royal Noble Consort Yeong of the Jeonui Lee Clan (a.k.a. Lady Seonhui; 1696 - 1764), who gave birth to Crown Prince Sado as a royal concubine of King Yeongjo. Currently located within the Chilgung (Seven Palaces) compound in Gungjeong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Gyeongandang Signboard_Cleaning1 (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
1. Cleaning
Removal of surface contaminants using a soft brush and vacuum cleaner. Removal of contaminants (e.g. dirt between wedges) using a 2 wt% solution (in water) of rabbit-skin glue and stencil brush.
Gyeongandang Signboard_Cleaning2 (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
Removal of contaminants on inner board using a 30 wt% solution (in water) of alcohol.
2. Pigment Stabilization
Pyeongnakjeong Signboard_Stabilization2 (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
Varnishing of multi-color pattern on frame using a 2 wt% solution (in water) of rabbit-skin glue.
Gyeongandang Signboard_Stabilization4 (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
Re-adhesion of floating base pigment on Gyeongandang signboard using wheat starch paste.
3. Restoration of Missing Portion
Using the intact areas as a basis, missing frame portion restored with dried red pine (variety of nut pine) piece.
Pyeongnakjeong Signboard_Color matching6 (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
Restored portion color-matched using red ocher. Deteriorated black pigment on Pyeongnakjeong signboard color-matched using black ink.
Gyeongandang Signboard_Assembly2 (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
Assembly using fish glue and bamboo dowels; Secured for fastening using clamps.
Pyeongnakjeong Signboard_Assembly5 (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
Bamboo dowels inserted to match existing holes
Gyeongandang Signboard_Before restoration (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
Gyeongandang Signboard_After restoration (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
Pyeongnakjeong Signboard_Before restoration (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
Pyeongnakjeong Signboard_After restoration (2016)National Palace Museum of Korea
NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM OF KOREA
Ki-beom Yoon
