Investigation of the microbiological environment in the temple where cultural assets are stored based on the treasure Hanging Painting of Anguksa Temple (The Vulture Peak Assembly) and storage chest analysis
Gwaebultaeng is a cultural property of painting, a large Buddhist painting used for special ceremonies in Buddhism. It is stored in an indoor temple environment, and there is a greater risk of contamination and damage due to environmental factors compared to other cultural properties. In 2021, the treasure Hanging Painting of Anguksa Temple and storage chest stored in Geungnakjeon Hall of Anguksa Temple in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do were investigated. As a result, one genus and three species fungi, one species bacteria were found on the surface of the painting. In addition, five genera and 11 species fungi, eight genera and 12 species bacteria were confirmed on the surface of the storage chest. Among them, the same three species of Aspergillus genus were identified in both Gwaebultaeng and the storage chest. These results suggest the possibility of introduction and spread from airborne fungi in the indoor air outside the chest. Among the identified microorganisms, one genus and two species fungi in Gwaebultaeng and three genera and four species fungi, four genera and five species bacteria were identified as those that could cause damage to the storage chest. In addition, it was confirmed that one species fungus in Gwaebultaeng and one genus and two species fungi could cause harm to the human body. The results of this study will serve as a basis for careful discussion and management regarding the storage of cultural properties in the future.