The Conservation of Cloud Pattern-painted Boots (1800–1600 BP) Excavated in Yingpan, Xinjiang

ABSTRACT Yingpan, Xinjiang, was an important site on the Silk Road of China. A large number of precious objects with exquisite patterns have been excavated from this site, and they provide valuable physical evidence for the study of the cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world. The conservation methods applied to a pair of cloud pattern-painted boots excavated in Yingpan, Xinjiang, are introduced in this paper, and the various factors influencing the repair process are explained. The results show that an oil-in-water emulsifier with contaminant removal and antibacterial functions effectively softened the hardened and deformed ancient leather. The use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) to evaluate the dosage of the softening agent can prevent excessive use of softening agents on historical leathers. A silk crepeline method was used to influence the physical reinforcement of the boots without affecting their appearance. It improved the fiber strength of the ancient textiles. This article is a good reference for conservators seeking to repair ancient leather products with textiles.