• Journal of Conservation Science
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.535-548
• /
• 2016

Hanging paintings are used for special ceremonies in Buddhist temple. They are stored in special storage box called "Gwaebulgwae" which means storage box for a hanging painting. Studies regarding pigments, background fibers and textiles of hanging paintings are carried out with many data in the field of conservation science. However, there are only few studies for the axes of hanging paintings and storage boxes. In this study, species identification for wooden axes of hanging paintings and storage boxes from the Joseon dynasty are carried out. Hanging painting of Beopjusa temple, Magoksa temple, Sudeoksa temple, Gaeamsa temple, Sudosa temple, Bukjangsa temple, Dorimsa temple, Tongdosa temple and Daeryeonsa temple are selected. Sampling is carried out from the axes of hanging paintings and storage boxes. 81 samples are collected from hanging paintings and storage boxes. As a result, 51 hard pines of Pinus spp., 8 Tilia spp., 6 Juniperus spp., 5 soft pines of Pinus spp., 4 Tsuga spp., 3 Pseudotsuga spp., 2 Berchemia spp., 1 Pyrus spp., 1 Bambusoideae are identified. Tsuga spp. and Pseudotsuga spp. might be used in conservation and restoration works in modern times because those species do not naturally grow in Korea. Most hanging paintings and storage boxes are made of hard pine. Also, some of are made of Tilia spp., because it represents the symbol of Buddha. Some unique kinds of trees used for wooden sculpture are identified, such as Juniperus spp. and Berchemia spp. Authentic conservation and restoration works could be carried out with this data-base.