Technical study on conservation and restoration of Niavaran Palace’s embroidered Pateh

A historical and scientific analysis was carried out on a historical textile from Sahebgharanieh Niavaran Palace’s collection. The examination shows that the sample under study is embroidered in Pateh technique. It belongs to Iran, dated around late 18th Century, from Qajar dynasty period. To conserve and restore the textile sample under study, the material technology on its fiber, weave and motif were identified. The scientific analysis shows that the fiber is made of wool, with Twill weave technique, decorated with embroidered fiber made of silk. With the help of SEM-EDX method of analysis it is detected that the fabric contains a great value of silver and gilt scythes using metallic thread with delicate silk yarns. Motifs used in the fabric are of paisley leaf with decorative motifs of plant and animal embroidered beautifully. The Fabric was graphically documented by microscopic and macroscopic methods and its degree of damage was assessed. This leads to the implementation of conservation, restoration and display techniques, which was carried out in the textile division of Sahebgharanieh Niavaran Palace Museum. It will be discussed in detail later in the paper. The paper employs scientific analysis and SEM-EDX method to analyze the historical textile. The major aim and objective of the study is to know the materials and contents from which the textile is made in order to know the best restoration and preservation method that may be applied in preserving and conserving the historical textile and the likes of it

Evaluating practical functions of available web-based virtual museums using qualitative comparative method

By the extension of digital networks and the rise of personal computers, advantages of information technology have been noticed by major cultural organizations such as museums. As the result, different versions of online virtual museums have been created so far with various approaches and technologies. In addition to having a short review on literature and the history of web-based virtual museum development, this paper evaluates the practical functions of available web-based virtual museum development approaches using the qualitative comparative method regarding general aims, functions, and concepts in the definition of a museum defined by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). Considering the findings of this study, it is possible to increase effectiveness and efficiency of virtual museums

Preservation of cultural heritage: a joint effort between Iran and India

The relations and exchanges between the great civilizations would contribute not only to the growth of the peoples of the involved civilizations but also to enrichment of lives throughout the globe. The cultural relations between Iranians and the inhabitants of the Indian Sub-continent have produced exceptional results, especially in the realm of art and culture. Looking at the history of Iran and India we can recognize the strong relations of these two cultures from Pre-Aryan civilizations and later Pre-Islamic Persia and Vedic civilization era to Muslim cultures of Mughals and Safawids. According to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru “India and Iran are the cradle of ancient culture and civilization that continue to have their impact on the world for about 5000 years”. Protection of a culture depends, to a great extent, on the preservation of the material cultural heritage – a branch of knowledge that has received ample attention during the past couple of centuries, especially in the western world. The Eastern world, chiefly those with rich historical civilizations, too has engaged serious efforts to this task. Iran and India enjoy a common civilization background; they share interdependent cultural heritages and face similar problems in preserving them. Their joint efforts could minimize the energy input and maximize the results. It is therefore essential for the two countries – and the few other nations with whom we share a great deal of our rich history – to join hands in preserving something that may well be regarded as “world cultural heritage”. In this paper the author will present the issues of the preservation of cultural heritage in both countries and the joint efforts that has been attempted by individuals, and at the level of government bodies, to fulfill this task from 1979 to the present time. After 1979 the issues of cultural heritage in Iran entered a new phase. This new phase was because of the formation of the new university programs and establishment of the new organizations in the field. In this phase we can also notice the interest that Iran has shown towards India and its heritage. A number of people made efforts and were pioneers to fulfill these tasks. Here in this paper I try briefly to highlight some of these joint efforts, the reason behind and their impacts towards the elevation of the preservation of cultural heritage. These joint efforts will be discussed based on my involvement in certain projects, as well as my experiences - with help of other individuals to strengthen the already established ties between Iran and India in the field of education and preservation of cultural heritage. These include programs at the level of higher education, recognition of Indian academic institutions by the Iranian bodies, initiation of researches, training course, workshops, as well as a wide spectrum of quality publications in the field