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Posted

Dear All

I have recently acquired from a fellow member this yamagane/copper tsuba:

 

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There is some spots of verdigris here and there. If it was rust on iron I would soak it with choji oil and then scrape it gently with ivory, bone and antlers splinters.
With copper alloys I am not sure of the best way to proceed. 
There is some simple procedure that I can follow to improve the appearance without damaging the underlying patina while removing the verdigris or it is better to let it be as it is?

It is safe to try removing the verdigris with a piece of soft wood (like a toothpick)? Some choiji oil could help?

 

If the verdigris is not stable applying renaissance wax could be an option to stabilize it?

 

Thank you in advance for all your suggestions.

Regards
Luca

Posted

I have just realized that there are some discussion about verdigris in other posts here on NMB.

My bad I was to hasty and didn't do my research properly.

 

Sorry for bothering you guys

 

Brian if you want to delete the post is ok to me!

 

Luca

  • Like 1
Posted

There are numerous ways to clean verdigris from copper/yamagane - However I would be cautious as you don't want to remove the rest of the patina.

There is a recipe here - I would try lemon juice alone first it is something you can dilute and readily wash off if it is too aggressive. I have used citric acid on one of my pieces with great results , but it was in such a state to start with that there was little to risk. Your piece is not so badly affected and something as simple as a cotton cloth might remove the buildup without going the 'chemical' route.  The old adage "when in doubt - do nowt" This is an old Cheshire proverb, 'nowt' meaning 'nothing'.

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Posted

Nice pick up Luca, be careful not to over clean it, there is remnants of black Urushi on the plate that likely covered the surface originally.

  • Like 1
Posted

Luca,

certainly no oil or grease application! These substances might increase the problem.

I think Ford has expanded on this subject here on the forum.

Posted

Yes Jean

 

I went through NMB searching for verdigris and found some Ford post about it.

Putting toghether Ford, yours and Dale and Sinclair advices I have decided that the better course was to limit myself to brushing the tsuba with a soft toothbrush and a mild soap. 

The verdigris seems to be stable I will monitor it in the next month.

 

Thank you all for the advices.

 

Regards 

Luca

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