A comprehensive survey of the materials used in Japanese works of art and their vulnerability to material, mechanical, and biological degradation. This reference describes traditional construction characteristics, correlations of climate, condition and deterioration of objects, and compares the physical characteristics of sensitive materials, museum controls, care during transport, and specific directions for handling works. Paper scrolls and screens, textiles, metal objects, ceramics, leather pieces, wood objects and building materials, lacquerware, stone, inks, metallic and oil pigments among other materials are discussed in depth. -- AATA