AN INVESTIGATIOU INTO THE SURFACE FLUORESCENCE OF CERAMIC BODIES UNDER ULTRAVIOLET EXAMINATION
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Authors
O'KEEFFE, MARILYN
Issue Date
1986
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation causes the surface molecules of ceramic bodies to fluoresce in such a way that the elements of restorations and surface irregularities may be identified as an aid in determining authenticity and structural integrity.
This study began in 1984 when, as an intern at the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum Decorative Arts Conservation Laboratory, I became interested in ultraviolet fluorescence as a tool for revealing surface anomalies in works of art. Ultraviolet is commonly used in the examination of a variety of materials in museums. It is one of the principal tools for the examination of ceramics, yet very little research has been published concerning the results of this type of examination. I therefore undertook this investigation into the fluorescence of some of the surface conditions and restoration materials most commonly encountered in ceramics in a museum setting. It has been the purpose of this study to provide a standardized guide to ultraviolet examination of ceramic bodies for curators, registrars, and other museum professionals.