Two projects at the Tokyo National Research Institute of Cultural Properties involving the application of scanning electron microscopy to the study of ancient techniques and the deterioration of cultural properties are described. Raw urushi, a traditional adhesive used for grounding, was observed in cross-section from a lacquered leather box at Horyuji Temple. The urushi grounding process consists of three sub-processes: substrate consolidation, cloth attaching and ground consolidation. Urushi sap was also studied using a cryogenic stage in an SEM, and by testing with water-soluble and oil-soluble dyestuffs. It is a water/oil/water double emulsion when collected. Urushi forms a uniform film, and penetrates into the micella of the wooden substrate when relative humidity is maintained at 55%. At 75% RH, a non-uniform film without penetration is formed. Foxing on decorative artworks at Hoodo in Byodoin Temple executed by Tsunekichi Koba and others on hemp paper between 1955 and 1962 was studied using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray spectrometry. Fungi grew on foxed areas of hemp paper maintained at elevated relative humidity and mycelia and conidia were observed on foxed areas. In a separate example of foxing caused by the presence of iron, foxed areas could be differentiated by backscattered electron imaging. Iron, and to a lesser extent, tin were detected by energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry. -- AATA