Wood in outdoor applications is exposed to various decay factors, of which fungi are the most important. Some wood species are more resistant to fungal decay than others. Forma Viva in Kostanjevica has been exhibiting sculptures made mainly of oak wood for 60 years. The oldest sculpture is the work of Tanaka Eisaku entitled “Japanese Festival”. After 60 years, the condition of the sculpture was examined with a resistograph and a moisture metre. Several samples were isolated from the sculpture and examined with FTIR and XRF spectroscopy. The density of the samples was determined with GeoPyc and analysed in detail with laser and digital microscopy. Signs of fungal attack, as well as insect and bird damage can also be seen on the sculpture. The resistograph analysis showed that the wood is mainly decayed in the axial planes and in the core. In addition, the sapwood is severely decayed in some areas. The wood has been surface-coated in recent years; however, there is no biocide residue in the wood. If the sculpture is to be preserved for posterity, it must be properly conserved.
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