The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has developed a coating material for preserving artworks, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday.

The material can prevent discoloration of fine art pieces, including oil paintings, embroideries, posters, photos, temples and ancient tombs, according to the KCNA.

The news agency did not disclose what ingredients the material contained.

The coating can also make discolored pictures vivid and prevent paintings from being extended by moisture, the report said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2008)