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<p>Beadwork represents an important aspect of Peranakan material culture distinctive for its intricate craftsmanship and colourful glass seed beads (<i>manek potong</i>). Deterioration of certain beads in the 20th-century Peranakan beaded collections of Singapore exhibits whitish efflorescence, found on breakages, surface crust, and as an uncommon milky layer on facets. Further investigation with Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) and Raman Microscopy revealed lead arsenate (possibly apatite) crystals in the majority of the beads, while the rest of the efflorescence showed alkaline salts. The formation of lead arsenate crystals appears to be related to a glass formulation containing high amounts of potassium, lead and arsenic, driven by glass deterioration or loss of alkali. Comparing the beads’ amounts of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) to historical beads from Italy and Bohemia, results show that the beads’ compositions more closely resemble those from Bohemia, lending credence to literature where Bohemia has been identified as one of the major production centres of glass seed beads. The inconsistent quality of natural raw ingredients used in Bohemian glassmaking and its influence in glass composition could contribute to the deterioration. SEM is performed to examine adherence of the toxic lead arsenate crystals on beads before and after cleaning. Results show that lead arsenate crystals detach from beads with breakages and crust, presenting a risk of exposure while handling. Beads with milky facets impose negligible risks to handling unless they crumble. These results inform conservators, collections managers, curators, collectors, and beadwork practitioners who are handling 20th-century Peranakan beaded embroideries or unused beads in that period.</p>

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Investigating deteriorated glass beads containing lead arsenate in Peranakan beadwork

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年2月24日

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  • Lynn Chua,
  • Swee Mun Lee,
  • Ivan Djordjevic,
  • Dominic Low

摘要

Beadwork represents an important aspect of Peranakan material culture distinctive for its intricate craftsmanship and colourful glass seed beads (manek potong). Deterioration of certain beads in the 20th-century Peranakan beaded collections of Singapore exhibits whitish efflorescence, found on breakages, surface crust, and as an uncommon milky layer on facets. Further investigation with Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) and Raman Microscopy revealed lead arsenate (possibly apatite) crystals in the majority of the beads, while the rest of the efflorescence showed alkaline salts. The formation of lead arsenate crystals appears to be related to a glass formulation containing high amounts of potassium, lead and arsenic, driven by glass deterioration or loss of alkali. Comparing the beads’ amounts of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) to historical beads from Italy and Bohemia, results show that the beads’ compositions more closely resemble those from Bohemia, lending credence to literature where Bohemia has been identified as one of the major production centres of glass seed beads. The inconsistent quality of natural raw ingredients used in Bohemian glassmaking and its influence in glass composition could contribute to the deterioration. SEM is performed to examine adherence of the toxic lead arsenate crystals on beads before and after cleaning. Results show that lead arsenate crystals detach from beads with breakages and crust, presenting a risk of exposure while handling. Beads with milky facets impose negligible risks to handling unless they crumble. These results inform conservators, collections managers, curators, collectors, and beadwork practitioners who are handling 20th-century Peranakan beaded embroideries or unused beads in that period.