Conservation and Restoration of Chimi from Mireuksa Temple Site, Iksan

Abstract. A chimi was a decorative architectural element placed at the highest point of a building’s roof that symbolized the dignity and authority of the ruling class. Unlike ordinary roof tiles, chimi were large and heavy and their production required advanced craftsmanship. However, as most chimi were made using clay, they have typically been excavated as numerous fragments of varying sizes and weights. This makes it difficult to determine their original form or identify the components of a single chimi, resulting in relatively few examples of complete restorations and limited related research.
This article focuses on a restoration study using selected fragments of chimi excavated from the Mireuksa Temple site in Iksan. The fragments feature relatively large remaining surface areas, making them suitable for the reconstruction. Most chimi pieces from the site are currently preserved as fragments, and even the larger pieces that had previously been restored require re-conservation treatment due to the deterioration of past restoration materials. The chosen chimi specimens were first disassembled, separating previously joined pieces and restoration materials. Subsequently, fragments deemed to be suitable for reconstruction were selected for each specimen. Using three-dimensional digital technologies, the relative positions of the fragments were estimated, and the missing parts were digitally reconstructed to ensure structural stability. Identifiable fragments were reassembled, and the missing parts were modeled and restored with 3D printing techniques.
Consequently, three chimi specimens from the Mireuksa Temple site were successfully restored to their presumed original forms. These restorations will contribute to future exhibitions and academic research.