Scientific restoration of engraved palm leaf manuscripts

The preservation and restoration of palm leaf manuscripts face numerous challenges, such as diverse types of damage, material fragility, and the absence of standardized and scientific restoration methods. This work employed a Yunnan-engraved PLM to systematically elaborate and enhance the restoration process. The primary types of damage were identified, and different restoration materials were evaluated. The PLM surfaces were found to be contaminated, and material loss occurred during restoration. Wiping with warm water was conducive to the removal of surface contamination, while the use of inlay techniques and a composite restoration paste effectively repaired the damaged areas and enhanced the structural stability of the manuscript. This study established a systematic restoration procedure for engraved PLMs and improved the restoration quality to provide a feasible practical solution for the long-term preservation of engraved PLMs and similar manuscripts.