Question Mounting Japanese flag

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kdvaldes

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I have a request to mount and frame a WWII Japanese silk flag. The flag is very fragile. It also has two leather corners with strings, which I'm assuming was the mount to the flag pole. Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
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Stabiltex (or whatever they call it now?) wrapped around a backing board cut to size for the flag. Lay flag on backing board (rag probably?) lay Stabiltex of "best" color over the top wrap it around and adhere to the back of the board. Float mounted board on what ever you'd like.
 
The name of this thread should be changed! I thought it was a birthday wish for our Kathy!

Welcome to the grumble, maybe start a new thread and call it "Flag hanging problems!"

You'll get political lurkers, but then you'll get better suggestions!
 
thanks

Cliff and Dave, thanks. Cliff or Dave what is stabelix and where does one purchase this product? I've not ever used it before.
 
How big is this flag?

I agree with Cliff, a fine mesh fabric overlay might be most appropriate.

If you search the Grumble archives for terms such as "fine mesh overlay", you should find complete details on how to construct the mount. Note that it is very important to have the background board fabric-covered and padded with polyester batting. When the mount is assembled, be sure to pull the fabrics tight in order to tension the batting. That's what holds the flag in position.
 
Dang, I thought maybe somebody had started me my very own thread. Or possibly was posting to inform me I had won the lottery.

Oh well.

Carry on!
 
I think I read somewhere that silk is subject to damage from light, to the point where it actually dissintegrates from coming into contact with it.

This might be something that should not be framed at all, but put into some kind of situation that keeps it safe from everything; light, temperature, humidity and acid.

Maybe you should take a picture of it and frame that.

I also think I read here that everything is not supposed to be framed, at least if you want to preserve it. And I guess that's the whole thing; do you want to display it, or preserve it; it's got to be be real valuable.

I know I'm kind of new here, and I don't mean to sound bossy, but I read alot, and this is what I remember.

Just a thought.
 
I changed the title to something more appropriate. Now everyone will wonder (if they don't already) about Emibub's sanity.
 
Walter said:
I think I read somewhere that silk is subject to damage from light, to the point where it actually dissintegrates from coming into contact with it...
I also think I read here that everything is not supposed to be framed, at least if you want to preserve it...
Click to expand...

Yes Walter, you are absolutely correct. Silk is light-sensitive; it weakens and discolors with exposure.

You are correct again, that some things should not be framed. If you dig around the archives, you will find previous discussions about that.

The problem is that we are retail framers, and when our consumer customers bring us work to do, we may be hard-pressed to turn them away. Not only would we lose income, and an opportunity to satisfy a customer, but we would probably lose that customer's business forever to another framer, perhaps less concerned about preservation, and more willing to do the work.

You see the dilemma. As I recall, the general consensus usually is that we should be honest and forthright about preservation issues for items of value, and the limitations of protective framing. If the customer makes an informed decision to proceed with the framing, then we aim to please. Also, we can help our customers preserve their framed treasures by advising them to limit exposure to light, airborne contaminants, and environmental extremes.

But first, we need to inform ourselves, which is an ongoing process for all of us. It seems that you are well on your way to keeping informed.

Good on you.:thumbsup:
 
Well then I guess it comes down to what the customer wants. Since I have been trained in offering the best framing, and seeing what this is (that is, a very rare item), my advice would be to save it for posterity and let the money thing, as far as being a framer goes, take a back seat. But I guess it is really up to the customer. All I can do is offer advice as far as history goes, and let them make the decision.

But I have to say that as a person who is concerned with history and preservation, as well as money, I would have to advise that the customer think long and hard about what they are doing.

It is not easy to undo what has been messed up by bad advice.

There will always be more dollars out there, but we will not travel this road again.
 
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