Chinese Toggles: Scientific Analysis of ‘Culture in Miniature’ with Vibrational Spectroscopy

In recent years, Sydney Analytical, one of the University’s Core Research Facilities, has been working closely with the Chau Chak Wing Museum to shed light on objects in the museum’s collection. These interdisciplinary collaborations have broadened understandings of objects in the museum and offer a great example of how science can help us to learn more about museum collections and create new knowledge.
The National Science Week program combines floor talks and workshops that lift the lid on the role of science in museums and offer the chance to hear directly from scientists about their work with museum objects and cultural heritage material.
To celebrate National Science Week, Sydney Analytical and the Chau Chak Wing Museum share a behind-the-scenes view of two collaborative projects:
Chinese Toggles: Scientific Analysis of ‘Culture in Miniature’ with Vibrational Spectroscopy
The Hidden is Tantalising: Looking Below the Surface with Infrared Reflectography Imaging
• Part 1: JW Power’s Femme à L’ombrelle with the University Art Collection
• Part 2: Sāmoan Siapo (Tapa Cloth) from the Macleay Collections