Characterization of<i>Furunori</i>(Aged Paste) and Preparation of a Polysaccharide Similar to<i>Furunori</i>

Abstract

Furunori (aged paste) is a conservation material that is used for Japanese painting conservation. Furunori is a smoother and weaker adhesive than fresh paste, and it enables the surfaces to be easily peeled apart, with application of water, in a future conservation. Due to these characteristics, furunori has traditionally been used for attaching the backing paper to paintings in Japan, because it is considered that furunori causes less stress on the paintings than fresh paste. This study aims to clarify the characteristics of furunori based on chemical analysis and examination of the microorganisms involved in the early stage of furunori generation. Based on the results obtained, a polysaccharide similar to furunori was prepared.