JAIC 2005, Volume 44, Number 2, Article 5 (pp. 117 to 126)

FUNORI: OVERVIEW OF A 300-YEAR-OLD CONSOLIDANT

JOSEPH R. SWIDER, & MARTHA SMITH

ABSTRACT—Funori, a product from seaweed found mostly in Japan, has been used as an adhesive and a consolidant for centuries. Many conservators are familiar with funori but may be unaware of its chemistry and reliable methods for its preparation. Funori has been used successfully for decades at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery's Department of Conservation and Scientific Research in the paper, East Asian paintings, and object conservation laboratories. This article is a review of the conservation and scientific literature to give conservators insight into the chemistry of funori and related seaweeds and to propose methods for its preparation.
[Spanish Abstract] [French Abstract]

Article Sections:

1. INTRODUCTION
2. SCIENTIFIC SURVEY
3. LABORATORY STUDIES ON FUNORI PREPARATION
4. USES OF FUNORI IN CONSERVATION
5. CONCLUSIONS
a: Materials , References , Author Information

Entire Article