Monday, November 13, 2006
83-6

Study of Physical Properties of Tumulus Mound Built in Eighth Century.

Magdi Khalil V1, Takeshi Ishizaki1, M. Inuzuka1, and Masaru Mizoguchi2. (1) Tokyo Nat. Res. Inst. for Cultural Properties, 13-43 Ueno-Park, Taito-ku, 110-8713, Japan, (2) Univ. of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, JAPAN

There are many beautiful mural paintings inside the stone chamber of tumulus in Asian countries. In Japan, mural paintings of Takamatsuzuka tumulus were painted in eighth century.  This was discovered in Nara in 1972 and designated as national treasure. The special committee for the conservation of these paintings decided to keep these paintings in the tumulus in the similar condition before the excavation. Recently fungi were found on the wall surface and caused severe damages for paintings. In order to clarify the cause of the fungi and find suitable protective measures, it is necessary to know the moisture and temperature conditions and other necessary physical properties of the mound soil and stone chamber. For this purpose, soil samples were obtained from the mound by air boring method and moisture, thermal and mechanical properties were obtained. These measured physical properties were used to propose protective measures of the Takamatsuzuka tumulus.

 


Handout (.pdf format, 204.0 kb)
Handout (.pdf format, 180.0 kb)