Analysis, Technical Investigation and Conservation of a Painted Enamel Qajar Pendant

Abstract

This research aims atinvestigating the chemical composition and the technical features of a painted enamel Qajar pendant. This investigation was followed by cleaning and conservation of the pendant. Optical light microscope (OLM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) were used respectively for imaging and micro-analysis of the object. The study proved that the pendant is made of gold foils, round and half-round gold wires of different sizes and carats. Different forming and decorative techniques were found to be used for the manufacturing of the pendent: repoussé, granulation, filigree, chasing, stamping, painted and cloisonné enameling. The study also proved that the central quatrefoil ornament is not solid metal, containing a wax core

Keywords

• Conservation of a Painted Enamel Qajar Pendant
• Technical Investigation
• painted enamel Qajar pendant