TECHNART 2025: International Conference on Analytical Techniques for Cultural Heritage Research and Conservation
From May 6 to May 9, 2025, three members of the Center for Conservation Science―Dr. AKIYAMA Junko (Head of Preventive Conservation Section), Dr. Chi Chih Lien (Associate Fellow, Analytical Science Section), and Ms. TERASHIMA Kai (Research Assistant, Analytical Science Section)—participated in the International Conference on Analytical Techniques for Heritage Studies and Conservation – TECHNART 2025, held in Perugia, Italy.
TECHNART is an international conference focused on scientific approaches to the analysis of cultural heritage. The 2025 program featured the latest developments in non-invasive, imaging-based analytical techniques such as Macro X-ray Fluorescence Scanning (MA-XRF), Macro X-ray Powder Diffraction Scanning (MA-XRPD), and Reflectance Imaging Spectroscopy (RIS), as well as studies on image analysis using machine learning and the development of environmentally sustainable conservation materials. (See: TECHNART 2025 program.pdf)
Dr. Chi presented a poster entitled “Analysis of Green Coloring Materials in the Takamatsu Matsudaira Family Illustrated Book on Natural History Using Hyperspectral Imaging.” Focusing on a designated tangible cultural property of Kagawa Prefecture, the study employed hyperspectral reflectance data and principal component analysis (PCA) to classify and identify the green colorants used. This approach, which integrates large-scale spectral datasets with statistical methods, proved effective for gaining insight into painting materials and techniques. Discussions and exchanges during the session further underscored the importance of developing comprehensive pigment databases and advancing multidimensional data analysis as shared international challenges.
Ms. TERASHIMA gave an oral presentation titled “Investigation on the Use of Smalt in 17th–18th-Century Japanese Illustrations Using MA-XRF and RIS-VNIR,” focusing on two-dimensional spectroscopic analysis of Edo-period paintings. This presentation highlighted the use of smalt (blue pigments made from cobalt-containing glass), commonly seen in Western oil paintings, in Japanese artworks, and discussed its unique application and coloring effects. Presentations by participants from the United States and Portugal on similar topics reflected international interest, providing valuable opportunities for comparative perspectives and deeper discussions.
Many of the international research teams included not only experts in conservation science and cultural heritage science but also developers of hardware and software for analytical instruments, demonstrating an interdisciplinary approach. While cross-disciplinary research is advancing in Japan as well, further expansion of venues for diverse presentations will be key to future development. Insights gained through participation in this conference will be integrated into ongoing and future research activities.