Chinese export watercolours: Employing enzymes, rigid gels, and micro-emulsions for the removal of stains, adhesive and backings.

The article looks at the conservation work done on three items of Chinese export art, paintings on pith paper. It describes the deterioration the works had suffered caused by the glue used to adhere them to a backing as well as by age and likely less-than-optimal care in storage. It outlines the work done on them, including the use of trypsin in agarose to remove animal glue and of the emulsifier Abil EM120 and cyclomethicone to reduce glue and dirt stains. Problems in the use of water-based treatments on pith paper are discussed.