• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.27
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• pp.1-22
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• 2022

A chimi(a roof ridge decoration) excavated from the Busosan Temple Site in Buyeo was restored in 1978 at the Buyeo Museum. The gypsum restoration material had deteriorated over time and part of it was seriously damaged and unable to bear the weight of the chimi. The chimi features traces of emergency treatment revealing that the inside of the body and some portions of the tail were reinforced several times using epoxy resin. A condition survey performed in preparation for its transfer for an exhibition found the lower body and wings of the chimi to be highly vulnerable and it was determined that the chimi needed further restoration. The dismantling of the chimi for restoration revealed several elements that provide clues to the production techniques applied by its makers, so they were subjected to inspection. This study explores the production techniques used in the chimi from the Busosan Temple Site that were revealed during the process of dismantling it for restoration. The chimi was inspected using 3D scanning and its rigid vertical shape was restored to a natural form based on the production techniques identified during the dismantling process. The existing restoration material was replaced to improve durability. 3D printed elements were produced based on 3D modelling and were joined to the original chimi to correct its shape and fill in the missing parts, restoring the chimi to its original appearance.