GENTLEMEN’S PIPES FROM THE NMUH’S COLLECTION: TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCHES, RESTORATION, AND ATTRIBUTION

Abstract

The article reveals the researches and restoration of the four smoking pipes from the collection of the National Museum of Ukrainian History, which were characterized in the inventory book as made of bone. The studies in ultraviolet and infrared rays were undertaken in order to establish the material from which the pipes were made. It became possible due to the use of the methods of X-ray fluorescence analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and optical microscopy. Based on the research of the material of the pipes, we confirmed the structure of sepiolite (complex magnesium silicate Mg4 (Si6 O15) (OH)2 ), from which all the pipes are made. The report also describes and justifies the method of restoring pipes from sepiolite; the attribution of objects is carried out. According to the form and available brands on the silver border, the date of manufacture of one of the pipes was established. Thus, the obtained results can be useful for museum workers in determining the material of the pipes as sepiolite is very similar to bone, which is can be attributed while choosing a method of restoration and attributing the pipes behind the brands.

Key words: pipe, meerschaum, sepiolite, restoration, technical and technological expertise, X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).