Issues in Conservation of Ivory Objects: with Reference to Environmental Conditions of South Asia

Abstract

Ivories are important links between Asian Tradition and Medieval Art. Ivory carvings played were important in Non European civilization, especially, in China, Japan & India as indigenous art forms. Ivories are hygroscopic in nature. Therefore, they tend to crack, warp, distort or twist due to unsuitable climatic conditions. Yellowing, discolouration, black spotting, brittleness are some other deteriorations due to ageing of ivory. High humidity is the most dangerous condition which accelerates deterioration problems in Ivory. This paper is an effort to look into techniques available for cleaning and restoration of ivory and limitations of the methods due to environmental conditions of South Asia.