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Focusing on two groups of manuscripts from Tsinghua collection, in this article, the author reconstructs two Warring States manuscripts to illustrate the diversity of the manuscript format of early China. The reconstruction is based on a series of observations on the materiality and textuality of the manuscripts. The first group consists of three manuscripts concerning the stories of two historical figures: Yi Yin and Shang Tang of the Shang dynasty. Based on the basis of verso line, bamboo nodes, and the narrative chronology, the author determines these three manuscripts originally formed one continuous scroll. The second example is theMathematical Chart, also from the Tsinghua University collections. Based a series of observations of the physical features such as the verso imprints, the traces of decayed silk, and signs of damage to the bamboo slips, it is suggested that theMathematical Chartmanuscript was not in the familiar “scroll” format, but rather a “folded” format. This reconstruction provides the first concrete evidence of a “folded” book format since the archaeological discoveries of early Chinese manuscripts in the early 20th century. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tiaozi 条子, or reinforcing strips, are traditionally used to protect and support the cracked or torn areas often seen in rolled Chinese hanging scrolls. They are usually adhered to the verso after a first new lining has been applied or as a repair to the burnished back of a scroll. However, this traditional method can also create as many problems as it solves, especially when it is used to reinforce old weak acidic paper. This article discusses the possible reasons for this and examines an alternative method for the tiaozi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pair of Chinese scrolls representing the earth and sky were donated to the Bodleian Library in 1684. They are thought to be ephemeral items printed during the late Ming dynasty. Records indicate that in 1883 the scrolls were trimmed, patched with transparent paper, backed with cloth and mounted in an unsympathetic manner. In this paper, we consider the conservation and preservation measures adopted by the then Bodleian Librarian and reflect on his participation at the St. Gall Conference in 1898. The conservation treatment of the scrolls completed in 2015 was guided by their past repairs, current ethical considerations and scientific analysis. Breaking the strong bond between the transparent paper and the fragile surface of the scrolls required experimentation with the Albertina Compress and Gellan gum. The recreation of functional hanging scrolls involved the use of traditional scroll-mounting techniques and the reinterpretation of the Chinese mounting style from a western conservation perspective. We also discuss the experience gained in treating two artefacts with almost identical problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]