Japanese tools for conservation

Abstract

Summary Japanese brushes have been widely accepted and appreciated by the conservation profession in the West for many years. This article considers some of the other specialized tools used by craftsmen in Japan. Carpentry tools, specialist knives and even tools made by the conservators themselves are detailed along with an explanation of how they are maintained and used. Often tools which might appear similar to those found in the West have quite different characteristics and these must be clearly understood in order to use the tools effectively.