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Restoration of a silver censer In 2006 the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Precious Metals (headed by I.K. Malkiyel) carried out restoration work on a silver censer from the collection of Catherine II. The censer on a round stand is decorated with coloured enamel relief ornaments and inlaid with turquoise and coloured stones, making it a fine example of Turkish jeweller's work from the second half of the 18th century. The joint for opening the lid of the censer was broken, the chain for its spherical pendant lost, the filigree elements deformed and loosened. Two rosettes were missing from the tray; three tulips on the lid were damaged; chips and cracks were visible on the insets and enamel. Restoration work included making fastenings for the hinges and joint and partial replacement of the lost gilding. The pendant, covered with polychrome painted enamel, was reattached using an additional metal link. The worn-out threading was restored on all fastening elements using laser welding and the deformation of details of the fastening corrected. New fastenings for the enamel rosettes were welded on by laser. The enamels were impregnated and reinforced with the reversible polymer Movital B H 60 - 6% and 8% in alcohol solution. The joints of the silver side panels and broken filigree elements were rewelded. The deformed sockets were straightened and the insets secured. |
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