Position at Northwestern

Postdoctoral Fellow
Bottger Stoneware Project
Northwestern University

The Northwestern University-Art Institute of Chicago Collaborative
Program in Conservation Science has a postdoctoral opening in
materials science and engineering, or a related field, for an
individual with expertise in ceramic processing and chemical and
microstructural analysis. A firm understanding of ternary phase
equilibria and familiarity with analytical tools such as XPS, XRD,
ICP/MS, Raman microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy are
required. Previous experience in conservation science desirable, as
well as knowledge of one foreign language, ideally French or German.

Candidates should send a CV along with names and contact information
of three references to k-faber<-at->northwestern<.>edu by Wednesday,
December 15, 2010.  E-mail subject line should state NU-AIC
Stoneware Project.

Background: Bottger stoneware  (Bottger steinzeug) was discovered
and produced by Bottger in the early 18th century (1706-08 are the
dates more frequently cited). This material can be defined as
proto-porcelain and is typically fired above 1200oC. Stonewares of
various depths of color are based on mixtures of clay, quartz,
feldspar, lime (or gypsum in the case of Bottger) and iron oxide in
various ratios. In all of them, fine mullite crystals in an
alkali-silicate glass are an essential element of the
microsctructure.

Stoneware was first produced in China approximately 4000 years ago;
other centers of production were The Netherlands (17th  century, Ary
de Milde); England (Elers Brothers, Wedgwood in the 19th century)
and Plaue (Germany, 18th century). Bottger stoneware can range in
color from brick red to dark rust to a rusty brown; additionally
objects can be left unpolished (matte ware). They can be polished,
or decorated with a black glaze with unfired color decoration on
top. Lastly, a group called Eisenporzellan has been described,
comprising objects that are overfired and gain a metallic looking
surface as a result. The overarching question we will address is
whether we can distinguish stoneware from different production
centers, and also distinguish genuine objects from modern
replicas/fakes using approximately 20 museum objects and reference
fired stoneware produced for the project. Materials for the colored
decoration, glazes and gilding are also of ancillary interest.

Our research may develop along three main lines of inquiry:

    Elemental composition: Develop a protocol for quantitative
    analysis of bodies using XRF, and possible ICP/MS.

    Mineral phases and microstructure: Obtain non-invasive
    information on the mineral phases using Raman microscopy, XRD,
    and synchrotron micro-XRD experiments. Reference tiles will be
    used for comparison with SEM/EDX analysis of the microstructure.

    Color: Explore iron oxidation state and particle size effects on
    color as they relate to raw materials and firing conditions.

Francesca Casadio, PhD
Andrew W. Mellon Senior Conservation Scientist
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Ave.
60603-6110 Chicago
312-857-7647
Fax: 312-541-1959


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 24:22
                Distributed: Thursday, October 28, 2010
                       Message Id: cdl-24-22-016
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