Find Out Hidden Secrets of Cultural Assets Using Medical Imaging Technology
Diagnosis of cultural properties through computed tomography
The Meeting of Cultural Properties and Radiology (Modern times) by Seokdang Museum of Dong-A UniversitySeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
In commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the opening of Dong-A University Medical Center, the Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University organized a special exhibition titled 'The Meeting of Cultural Properties and Radiology' with the Medical Center.
The Meeting of Cultural Properties and Radiology (Modern times) by Seokdang Museum of Dong-A UniversitySeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Radiology is an important area of medicine that uses state-of-the-art medical devices to diagnose and treat human diseases. The radiology technology is also being used in cultural heritage-related fields.
The Meeting of Cultural Properties and Radiology (Modern times) by Seokdang Museum of Dong-A UniversitySeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University analyzed cultural assets using state-of-the-art X-ray equipment and computer tomography equipment. Computed tomography (CT) is an inspection method that analyzes the internal structure of a relic after passing a rotating X-ray through a cultural property and reconstructing it in three dimensions.
The Meeting of Cultural Properties and Radiology (Modern times) by Seokdang Museum of Dong-A UniversitySeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
As collections converted into three-dimensional images can be observed in detail while rotating 360° in all directions, we can find hidden secrets of cultural properties such as the internal structure and production method.
The Meeting of Cultural Properties and Radiology (Modern times) by Seokdang Museum of Dong-A UniversitySeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
The museum selected seven artifacts that needed to be checked for the internal structure and production method for future cultural property investigation. Find out the hidden secrets revealed through CT scans.
Duck-shaped Pottery (Three kingdoms Period) by UnknownSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Duck-shaped Pottery
Ancient people believed that birds were a medium that brought grain in spring and connected the human soul to the sky. In particular, ducks were regarded as sacred animals in the Yeongnam region, and duck-shaped earthenware was made and buried in a tomb as burial items.
Duck-shaped earthenware has been produced since the late 3rd century and is widely found in Silla and Gaya.
CT scan results revealed differences in thickness and material between the body and legs of the duck-shaped earthenware. Through this, it can be seen that the body and legs were separately made and attached at the time of earthenware production.
Bronze Mirror (Goryeo) by UnknownSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Mirror with a Hwang bi-chang-cheon engraved on it
It is a bronze mirror from the Goryeo Dynasty engraved with Hwang bi-chang-cheon brightly shining sky.
The Hwang-bi-chang-cheon is a yearning originating from the Haebak pattern mirror, which was popular in the Song and Geum kingdoms of China, and is expressed as a ship sailing the sea.
According to the CT scan results, it can be seen that the appearance of the ship, such as rowing boatmen and masts, is expressed in detail. These factors show the active maritime activities of the Goryeo Dynasty.
Wooden Arhat (Joseon) by UnknownSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Nahan statue
This Buddha is Nahan statue sitting on a bedrock with a tiger in his hand. During this period, it was common to make a hole and put Buddhist scriptures or sarira in it.
CT scans showed that Nahan statue had a hole in the back of his head and back, which can be inferred that a sculptor put clothes such as sarira and Buddhist scriptures inside the Buddha statue. In addition, traces of nails were found on the Nahan statue, and it was confirmed that the body and pedestal of the Buddha statue were made and connected to each other to complete it.
Daedangsabu Figure (Joseon) by UnknownSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Daedangsabu Figure
A miscellaneous statue is a decorative tile that protects the building by decorating the roof of palace architecture and blocking evil spirits.
The Daedangsabu figure is wearing armor and has two arms and two legs apart. This is a representation of the Tang monk 'Hyunjang'.
CT scans showed that the inner central skeleton was empty, while the face, arms, and legs were full of soil. Through this, it can be seen that the frame of the body was first made, and then the arms, legs, head, and hat were attached to the body.
Celadon Gourd-shaped Pitcher with Inlaid Grape Design (Goryeo) by UnknownSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Celadon Gourd-shaped Pitcher with Inlaid Grape Design
This Celadon Gourd-shaped Pitcher with Inlaid Grape Design is a typical 'gourd dipper' type.
The upper part of the kettle is inlaid with black and white, and the lower part is inlaid with white with lotus and grape designs.
The CT scan results showed that the shape of a white band on the helical twisted handle, which is a trace of past repair of the celadon kettle.
White Porcelain Statue of Boy (Joseon) by UnknownSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
This is Dong-ja-seung holding a incense burner with their hands together. A cloud and gourd-shaped bottle were made and attached to the back of the Dong ja seung.
The head and face are colored with blue and white pigments and the clothes are carved with cloud patterns.
As a result of CT scan, it can be seen that the head, body, and legs of Dong-ja-seung were separately manufactured and attached. In addition, the interior is empty, and you can see that it was elaborately made by installing a support on the handle of the incense burner.
Blue and White Porcelain Water Dropper (Joseon) by UnknownSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Blue and White Porcelain Water Dropper
A Yeonjeok is a tool you need to put in an appropriate amount of water, grind ink, and paint.
Yeon-jeok is manufactured in various forms, from square and circular to animal-like shapes, and has the same structure with small air holes and holes for injecting water into the surface.
If you look at the 3D stereoscopic image after CT scan, it was possible to accurately identify the inlet and outlet through which water enters.The inlet is a frog's mouth, and it can be seen that a part of the side of the inner bowl was cut out and made as a water outlet.
Learn about the conservation efforts of the Seokdang Museum of Dong-A university here.
