Title: BlackEn: New Research into the Blackened Enamels on the Geldermalsen finds
Date: April 11th 2025
Time: 9.30 – 17.00
Venue: Bushuis – Oost-Indisch Huis, Kloveniersburgwal 48, 1012 CX Amsterdam
To receive updates of the programme please send an email to: BlackEn.NICAS@gmail.com
This symposium marks the culmination of a one-year NICAS small grant project. The research investigated the blackening of lead-based enamel glaze decoration on Chinese porcelain decorated with enamel colours that were found in the wreck of the 18th century Dutch cargo ship the Geldermalsen. The project has focused on the elucidation of the unusual chemical deterioration process by means of a raft of complementary analytical techniques and by microbiological studies. Prominence was also given to an investigation of the scope for recuperation of the original glaze appearance.
The topics presented will be a blend of underwater archaeology, analytical chemistry, microbiologically induced chemical degradation, Chinese ceramic technical art history and methods of colour recouperation. Accordingly the symposium is designed for archaelogists, conservators, conservation scientists and art historians. As well as the specific findings of the research, special attention will also be given to the scope of two analytical techniques which are rarely utilised in relation to cultural heritage research; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry element mapping (LA-ICP-MS).
For more information about the project visit the project page.
