Applying visualization technology to repair plaster detachment in the wall paintings of Qutan Temple

Qutan Temple is a well-preserved early Ming dynasty architectural complex located in Qinghai Province, China that contains ancient architecture, sculpture, and wall paintings. After more than 600 years of history, under the combined influence of natural aging and human activities, the wall paintings in the temple have deteriorated to the extent that their safety, stability, and long-term preservation have been put in jeopardy. This paper describes how technology was used to examine and visualize how the wall paintings had become detached from their support, and how the situation was resolved using injection grouting. The methods proved successful, noticeably improving both the positioning and degree of detachment, as well as the efficacy of the grouting material, which is often evaluated based on the experience of conservators-restorers via acoustic tapping.