Chinese Desk and Chair Set Notes

This commission involved the repair and restoration of an early 20th century Chinese Lacquer Desk and Chair set.

The set had been poorly touched up and patched over the years. Significant damage to the bas-relief, painted surfaces and joints had to be addressed. Initial cleaning to remove heavy opium smoke residue and grime revealed compromised painted surfaces, as well as, deteriorated wood joints and chipped gesso overlay on chin colle mulberry paper. Restoration steps included rebuilding fractured wood joints using an Elm similar to the original Chinese Elm. Mulberry paper was then reapplied over the wood carcass using rice paste and water (mucilage).   To restore the damaged surface areas, several coats of gesso were applied.  The repaired surfaces were touched up using traditional laquer pigments and medium to match the original.

Chinese Desk Gallery