Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why are Japanese tissues and starch pastes used to repair artworks on paper?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Inside the ongoing preservation of the Vatican — Art conservation and restoration Learn about the restoration of tiles in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.

In the field of art conservation, Japanese tissues and starch pastes are essential tools for repairing mechanical damages to paper-based artworks, such as tears, thinning, or losses.1

Japanese tissue is a thin, strong, and lightweight paper traditionally handmade from long native fibers. These long fibers provide the necessary structural integrity to reinforce damaged areas without adding excessive bulk or altering the appearance of the original artwork.21

When used in combination with wheat- or rice-starch pastes, these tissues provide a stable and effective repair method. Starch pastes are favored in conservation because they are traditional, reliable adhesives that align with the ethical principle of reversibility—a fundamental standard in modern conservation that dictates treatments should not cause permanent, unalterable changes to an object. By using these materials, conservators can perform precise, delicate repairs that help preserve the longevity of prints, drawings, and manuscripts.13