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Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online

The Conservation and Art Materials Encyclopedia Online (CAMEO) is a database that compiles, defines, and disseminates technical information on the distinct collection of terms, materials, and techniques used in the fields of art conservation and historic preservation. First developed as a materials database in 1997 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston it has expanded with the cooperation of multiple institutions to include several reference collections. Learn more ABOUT CAMEO.

To use CAMEO, select any of the databases on the left or below, or simply search by entering text into the search box at the top right.

Materials Database A searchable database of chemical, physical, visual, and analytical information on historic and contemporary materials used in the production and conservation of artistic, architectural, archaeological, and anthropological materials. Search Database

New Addition

Ukiyo-e Print Colorant Database Information on colorants used in Japanese Woodblock print presented in a format organized around individual prints, with additional sections on individual colorants and analytical techniques. It currently focuses on prints from the MFA’s collection that date from the early 1700s to the mid-1800s. View Database

Reference Collections

Fact Sheets on Exhibit & Storage Materials Information on materials used for the exhibition, storage and transport of cultural heritage objects created by the Materials Working Group under the American Institute for Conservation. View Database	Fiber Reference Image Library A database for the identification of fibers using multiple microscopic techniques. The reference collection of plants and fibers characterized in this database reside at the Library of Congress Preservation Science Center for the Library's Analytical Scientific Samples (CLASS). View Library
Dye Analysis A database of reference dye materials and samples from cultural artifacts analyzed using liquid chromatography, coupled with diode array and mass spectrometer detectors (LC/DAD/MS). View Database	Asian Textile Database A database of textiles used for mounting East Asian paintings with images and data on fabric type, pattern, weave structure, color, etc. created with The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. View Database
Uemura Dye Archive A collection of 744 dyed fabrics prepared in the early 20th century by Uemura Rokuro, a scholar of traditional dyeing techniques in Japan. This collection is housed in the MFA Scientific Research Department. View Archive	Forbes Pigment Database An inventory and analysis of Forbes pigment samples currently dispersed in various museums around the world. The core collection, the Forbes Pigment Collection is housed at the Harvard Art Museums. View Database

NEWS & UPDATES

NEW DATABASE

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September, 2025

Ukiyo-e Print Colorant Database

The Asian Conservation Studio and Scientific Research Laboratory at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) have been conducting research into the colorants used in Japanese woodblock prints from the Edo period (1603–1868). This work combines the perspectives of conservators, who are familiar with the practical use of materials and their physical characteristics with scientists’ expertise in analysis and interpretation of data. This project has relied solely on non-invasive techniques that do not require sampling from prints.

The Ukiyo-e Print Colorant Database presents results of this research in a format organized around individual prints, with additional sections on individual colorants and analytical techniques. It currently focuses on prints from the MFA’s collection that date from the early 1700s to the mid-1800s. It does not encompass the whole breadth of colorants used in Japanese woodblock prints, particularly the synthetic dyes that came into use during the later part of the 19th century. Around 250 prints are currently featured in the database, with more being added as existing data is re-evaluated and new data acquired.

Explore the Ukiyo-e Print Colorant Database

NEW LOOK!

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July, 2020

The CAMEO homepage now has a new logo and look!

We would like to thank Scott Na'auao of Welcome Stranger for his generosity in designing the new logo. Thank you!