How can I clean a hand-painted, Japanese, silk hanging without damaging it?

Question

It's gone quite potatoe-brown from age and dirt (it's over 80 years old) but apart from that it's in perfect condition and I'd hate to ruin it.

Answer 1

Ring a local museum/art museum and ask about restoration. I dont think this is something you should tackle yourself its to valuable a piece.

Answer 2

you have to be carefull because after a while some kinds of silk literally fall apart with age.

There isnt much you can do about the brown color from age unless your willing to take risks.

As for the dirt, get yourself lots of Q-tips and some distilled water. Put the silk on a hard surface and moisten a Q-tip with some distilled water and gently go over the dirty areas.

I would start in one corner and see how it goes. If it starts to change the color drastically or the silk starts to fall apart....quit doing it!

Change your Q-tips often and make sure you dont use a dirty one on a clean area.