Chinese embroidery

In 2024, I conserved this antique Chinese silk embroidery, which depicts a garden scene with two figures. The embroidery presented with several problems. Exposure to dirt and poor storage conditions had caused dirt and mould to gather on the surface of the silk. This gave the fabric a dull colour and many spots of mould. The framing of the object meant adhesive residue could be seen around the edges, and the edges were also folded over, which could damage the fragile silk long-term.

When I removed the textile from the frame, where it had probably lain for decades, I found some interesting ephemera: a label from an Edinburgh framing company, and packing paper still bearing stamps and an address (presumably of the former owner). Most interestingly, I found that the textile had been wrapped around a print depicting a soldier, dated to 1914. Unfortunately, little is known about the textile itself. Most curious to me is the way that the edges are unfinished and the embroidered design does not sit quite in the centre of the piece of silk - perhaps it was cut out of a larger object?

Treatment began with washing, using specialised conservation detergent. The results of washing exceeded my expectations, with the soil removal revealing a much more even, bright colour and all but removing the mould spots. I found that this made the embroidered garden scene stand out much more. And cleaning does not only have an aesthetic effect: since the presence of dirt can damage fibres, removing it has extended the lifespan of the object. The folded edges were relaxed and could now lie flat, meaning that the silk here is much less likely to break in future. The adhesive stains, while still visible, were reduced.

The treatment was concluded with mounting. I made a custom padded mount, covered with cotton in a complimentary green colour, and sewed the textile to it with tiny invisible stitches. This presents and supports the object well. It can now be stored, or reframed in a frame in which it properly fits.