THE RESTORATION OF KUFIC DIRHAMS IN THE LIGHT OF MODERN STUDIES

Abstract

Abstract. The article examines the restoration of Kufic dirhams from the collection of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine; it presents the interrelationship of chemical-physical, aesthetic and restorationethical components of identical exhibits and also structures the main formations of silver and copper according to their influence on the condition of the object. The problems of the background for further restoration measures of destructive processes of archaeological exhibits made of silver-based alloy are considered, and the nature of the aesthetic component of silver exhibits is outlined. Based on the analysis of modern methods of restoration of similar exhibits, the current limits of the range of approaches to solving similar problems are outlined. As a result of the study of exhibits – Kufic dirhams, ways of developing restoration methods of patination at museum restoration are revealed. The proper display appearance and, accordingly, the nature and depth of restoration treatments significantly differ all over the world. The above-mentioned issues are especially acute in the restoration of silver due to the significant contrast in the appearance of exhibits of different degrees of preservation. As a result of mineralization, the shape of the silver object is usually deformed, and the surface loses its metallic luster. It is difficult to distinguish exhibits with a significant copper content from copper ones by their appearance. The restoration approaches and conservation measures have significant differences, so they require a careful study. This study examines the processes of preliminary removal of persistent wax layering, a restoration measure rarely analyzed by researchers. Highlighting the restoration of Kufic dirhams from the collection of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine has a particular interest in working with similar exhibits and substantiating the prospects for the direction of further research.