KVPT’s Patan Darbar Earthquake Response Campaign - Work to Date - September 2016

“epoxy pin” after hardening.
Mechanical and Chemical Removal of Deposits
Deposits were reduced mechanically with spatulas and
scalpels, whereby hard compacted layers were moistened
to make them softer. For the further reduction of the
dark soil layers different solvents including acetone,
white spirit, ethanol and ammonium hydroxide were
applied with brushes and cotton buds. The wide range
of solvents was necessary as their effectiveness fluctuated
due to the varying composition of the soil layers. In areas
with high content of oily components an additional lime
putty poultice was applied. Afterwards all surfaces were
cleaned with water.
Pointing and Filling
For the filling of losses a lime-based mortar mixed with
local siliceous sands, which correspond to the optical
properties of the stone, was used 6 . In order to adjust the
mortar to the color of the stone, the stone powder gained
during the drilling of the holes was collected and used as
additional filler. Solely for the pointing of the very thin
fissures and hairline cracks an adequate cement-based
mortar 7 was used in order to provide good adhesion to
the surrounding stone.
All infills were executed to reach the same level as the
surrounding stone, embellishment and carving.
To ensure a homogeneous appearance and to better adjust
the used mortars to the original surface, the pointed
joints and infills were retouched using black pigment applied
in a mixture of acrylic dispersion (Primal SF016)
and water (mixture 1:7).
Reconstruction of Missing Parts
For the reconstruction of the missing attribute a stone
similar to the original was used. Models for the mace of
the god were found in the collection of the Patan Museum.
A sculptor from the Institute’s team produced
the reconstruction, which was adjusted to the fractured,
uneven surface without damaging the original. The attribute
was then adhered to the sculpture using epoxy
resin (Akepox 2020).
Conclusion
In 2015 it was possible to restore the sculpture of Harishankara
to a satisfactory level. The former crack is hardly
visible due to the exact gluing and color matching of the
filling mortar. Also the mortar infills and stone indent
integrate. The dark layer of offering deposits and dirt
was massively / to a large extent reduced and the surface
is now homogenous and unified. The reconstruction
of missing sculptural details, including the attribute of
Vishnu, not only completes the figural composition but
also improves legibility, so that the restored sculpture
can again serve for worshipping.
End notes
1 Wiesner 1976 (1992): 126-127.
2 Patan Museum Guide 2013: 66ff.
3 Usually these offerings consist of food (rice, butter,
etc.), oily substances and Tikka-paste (paste of red or
yellow pigment).
4 The material contains a high concentration of silicates
in foliations surrounded by a very fine grained siliceous
marble.
5 Leiner 2010.
6 Infill mortar: 2 vol. parts slaked lime + 1 vol. part grey
cement + 4 vol. parts unsifted sand +2 vol. parts stone
powder + ½ to ¾ vol. parts black pigment, mixed with
water.
7 Pointing mortar: 1 vol. part grey cement, 4 vol. parts
stone powder + ½ vol. part black pigment, mixed with
water.
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