| ■Tokyo National Research
Institute for Cultural Properties |
■Center for Conservation
Science |
| ■Department of Art Research,
Archives and Information Systems |
■Japan Center for
International Cooperation in Conservation |
| ■Department of Intangible
Cultural Heritage |
|
The October 6 seminar
On October 6, 2008, the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques held a seminar as part of its research on controlling bio-deterioration of cultural heritage. The topic of the seminar, which was attended by 79 persons, was the maintenance of outdoor wooden cultural properties and issues for the future. Mr. Kanda Masaaki of the Nara Prefecture Board of Education spoke on the recent issues of biological damage in managing structures, such as temples and shrines, and carved wooden statues. Dr. Fujii Yoshihisa, a visiting researcher of the Institute from Kyoto University, accurately pointed out issues concerning deterioration diagnosis and maintenance systems for cultural property buildings. Ms. Honda Mitsuko of the Kyushu National Museum spoke on what should be done when exhibiting cultural properties outdoors and when storing them in museums. Dr. Kawakami Nobuyuki, an architect, gave a talk on the current condition and issues concerning the maintenance and management of restored buildings dating to the Yayoi period, using the Yoshinogari site as an example. This was followed by an in-depth discussion. There are numerous issues to be dealt with in conserving outdoor wooden cultural properties and specific measures will be studied in the project.
Practicing backing a paper book (Ms. Kurahashi)
Practicing restoring mural (Ms. Sato)
Ms. Sato Kyoko, currently finishing a master’s course in conservation science at Tokyo Gakugei University’s Graduate School, and Ms. Kurahashi Emi, currently finishing a master’s course in Japanese-style painting at Tsukuba University’s Graduate School, went to the Dunhuang Academy on June 1, finished their training, and returned to Japan on October 19 without incident. The two trainees stayed in the hotel at Mogao Grottoes, and with the full cooperation of Dunhuang Academy, they received detailed training concerning the protection of cultural properties, the restoration of murals – on-site survey, analysis and research, practical conservation processes, and mural structure reproduction and copy – as well as a lecture on management and operation of Mogao Grottoes, a world heritage site. In terms of research topics, Ms. Sato performed analysis and comparative study on red coloring matter used for the murals, and Ms. Kurahashi analyzed the restoration copy for scientific study. Their studies gained high marks from the researchers of the Dunhuang Academy at the final presentations. The encounter and interaction with colleagues of the same generation at the Dunhuang Academy will likely have a great influence on their future, along with the valuable experiences they had at the local site. This training will be held for two more years.
Site of restoring graves in Guazhou county of Gansu Province
Work to reinforce adobe bricks
The training for the third year of the earthen structures conservation group in the project for capacity development along the Silk Road was jointly conducted with the National Institute of Cultural Properties of China at Guazhou, Gansu province for 2 months from September 1, 2008. A completion ceremony was held on October 31 to mark the end of a training that took place for a total of 7 months over 3 years.
Earthen structures include buildings above ground built by piling mud bricks and sites unearthed during archeological excavations. In Japan there are many examples of archeological sites that have been conserved but, since there are few buildings above ground made of dried earth alone, Japan lacks experience in the conservation of such buildings. These sites that remain in various locations along the Silk Road from West Asia to China are like landmarks of the movement of the culture of the west to Japan, on the east end of the Silk Road. For this reason, it is significant in terms of cooperation to foster human resources to protect these sites. Until now, Japanese specialists have continued to cooperate in conservation activities in Iran and other countries in Central Asia. In this particular training, conservation techniques were applied to the earthen gate pillars of graves built in the Gobi Desert of Guazhou some 2,000 years ago. The 12 trainees freely used the concepts and theories they learned through their training during the past 29 months to consider the most appropriate method for the conservation of the site based on on-site investigation and observation. They also conducted the actual conservation work. In addition, they compiled a report that summarizes their three-year training. It is hoped that they will return to their respective areas and engage in conservation of earthen structures as local leaders.
Potsherd with seal impressions bearing the image of a seated figure
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation has been participating in the UNESCO/Japanese Funds-in-Trust project, “Preservation of the Buddhist Monastery of Ajina Tepa, Tajikistan” since 2006. As this is the last year of the project, the excavated objects were sorted and the acquired data were analyzed in view of the publication of a report at the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan from October 2 to 23, 2008. Most of the excavated objects are fragments of pottery and mud bricks from the 7th to 8th centuries when people inhabited the Ajina Tepa site. In this mission, a piece of the rim of a large jar on which stamp seals had been impressed was found among these objects. There are two seal impressions, one large and the other small. At the center of the large round seal is an image of a seated figure; to its right, as viewed from the image, is a water pot, while to its left is an object that looks like a staff. Although many fragments of large jars have been discovered from the Ajina Tepa site, this is the only piece with such seal impressions. Had the seals been impressed on large jars used for a special purpose? This was a fascinating finding.
Six students from Taito City’s Okachimachitaito Junior High School
On September 18, the students visited us as part of their “comprehensive learning time” class. They toured the Audio-Visual Documentation Section of the Department of Intangible Culture Heritage on the basement floor, the Restoration Studio (lacquer, paper, metal), the Analytical Science section of the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques, and the Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation on the third floor. Those in charge of each facility provided explanations and answered questions.
Two students from Chuo-ku Ginza Junior High School
On September 18, these students also visited us as part of their “comprehensive learning time” class. They toured the Conservation Science Section, the Restoration Studio (lacquer, paper, metal) of the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques, and the Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation on the third floor. Those in charge of each facility provided explanations and answered questions.
Five commissioners of the Policy Evaluation/Independent Administrative Institution Evaluation Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and other organizations
On September 29, this group visited us as part of their inspection of organizations equipped with facilities related to cultural assets. After inspecting the Tokyo National Museum, they toured the Restoration Materials, Conservation and Biological Science Sections of the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques on the third floor, as well as the Kuroda Memorial Hall, to learn about the surveys and studies conducted by the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo. Those in charge of each facility provided explanations and answered questions.
Director Erdenebat (left) and Director ISHIZAKI shaking hands with smiles after signing the agreement.
On September 9, 2008, an agreement for cooperation in protecting the national heritage was signed by between the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, and the Culture and Fine Arts Bureau of Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Mongolia. The agreement covers such activities as the implementation of joint business, research and development cooperation, fostering human resources and implementation of workshops, focusing on protecting the national heritage. While respecting the positions of both organizations, the agreement emphasizes cooperation in protection of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Mr. SUZUKI Norio, the Director of our Institute, visited the Culture and Fine Arts Bureau of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in Ulan Bator, and signed the agreement together with Mr. Erdenebat, Director of the Culture and Fine Arts Bureau, Mongolia. Mr. SHIMIZU, the Director of Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation, Mr. MIYATA, the Director of Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and several other members of our Institute also took place in the signature occasion.
Following the signing of the agreement, both parties also signed a memorandum on fostering human resources in protection of cultural heritage, according to the clauses of the agreement.
With these agreements, cooperation between our two nations in protection of our tangible and intangible cultural heritage is highly expected.
On Kuroda Seiki street, Grez-sur-Loing
The Department of Research Programming is continuing the study and translation of letters in French addressed to KURODA Seiki (around 250 letters) stored in this Institute, as a part of the research project “Documentary Material Research on East Asian Art”. We are planning to issue a report “Collection of letters in French to Kuroda Seiki” (tentative title) in the next year, by adding a diary in French written by Kuroda (in 1888) stored in the Tokyo National Museum to the letters. As a field study, we visited places where KURODA stayed such as Paris, Grez-sur-Loing village, Barbizon village in France, and Brussels and Blankenberge in Belgium. The visit was conducted from September 10 to 15, and we identified the spots and executed investigation. The results will be announced in the above report.
Ittyubushi “Futagosumidagawa” by UJI Bunga (1881－1975) and nisei UJI Shiyu (rokusei UJI Wabun: 1907－1986)
The recorded tapes collected by the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage are currently being digitized one after another. Digital conversion is not only a simple transfer of media to compact disc. Indices that match the recording contents must be attached after checking the recording (including collation with the authentication note for tape), otherwise, it will be inconvenient for future data utilization.
The TAKEUCHI Michitaka old audio data (referred to as “Takeuchi collection” hereafter), which acceptance procedure was completed in 2005, included many reel-to-reel tapes of kokyoku (katobushi, ittyubushi, miyazonobushi, ogiebushi). The performances are from the Showa 30’s, and most of them do not seem to have been recorded to be sold in market.
The photo shows a CD created from a tape of ittyubushi “Futagosumidagawa” performed by UJI Bunga (1881－1975) and nisei UJI Shiyu (rokusei UJI Wabun: 1907－1986). It is a long kokyoku with a long performance time of approximately an hour. We hope to create an environment in which all citizens have a chance to listen to antique recordings that people rarely had an opportunity to listen to.
We will open the SP records of the “Takeuchi collection” to the public in the form of catalogs when organization of data has been completed (“Geino no Kagaku 32”, “Research and Reports on Intangible Cultural Heritage Vol. 02”).”
A scene from “Climate change and museum collections”
The IIC congress was held in 15-19 September at Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London. The main theme of the Congress was “Conservation and Access”. Various ideas, surveys and practical examples were given on transportation and handling of cultural assets, disclosure and management of easily damaged materials, and information was exchanged. A symposium entitled “Climate Change and Museum Collections” took place during the congress. Changes in environment due to global warming and consequent effects on cultural assets were discussed. In addition, representatives of the organizations in each country referred to as IIC Regional Groups held a meeting. Ms. SONODA of the National Museum of Ethnology and Mr. ISHIZAKI of our Institute from Japan attended. Strengthening of collaboration between the organizations in each country was discussed.
Keynote lecture by ISHIZUKA Takeshi, the Director of Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques
Three members of the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques -ISHIZUKA Takeshi, HAYAKAWA Yasuhiro and MORII Masayuki – participated in the “2008 International Symposium on Conservation Science for Cultural Heritage” that was held at the Seoul Educational Cultural Hall from September 29, 2008 to October 1.
The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea, which hosted this symposium, has received a large research and development budget allocation in the conservation science area from the government of South Korea since 2006. The symposium was held partly to announce this achievement. Presenters for this symposium included 24 people from 7 other countries and 29 people from Korea, and active discussions took place in many fields.
Practical session (orefuse / crease reinforcement)
Practical session (urauchi / lining)
Opening ceremony
Ten persons were selected from a total of 80 applicants who are engaged in the conservation and utilization of cultural properties throughout the world to participate in the International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper from September 8 to 26, 2008 that was held jointly with ICCROM(International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties).
The course consisted of lectures, practical sessions and a study tour. Topics covered in the lectures included material studies on paper and traditional Japanese adhesives, principles regard-paring the conservation of cultural properties, Japanese-style painting techniques, mounting techniques and mounting formats. In the practical sessions the participants cleaned paper made for practice, infilled holes that had been made to look as if they had been damaged by insects, and mounted the work they had restored into a hanging scroll. They also challenged Japanesestyle book binding. In the study tour, the participants first visited Mino city in Gifu prefecture and learned about minogami (Mino paper), from the traditional method for manufacturing it to the history of its distribution, at Hasegawa Washi Kobo, Mino-Washi Museum and Mino Historical Museum. They also visited the conservation studios of the Association for Conservation of National Treasures both at the Kyoto National Museum and their independent studios.
Most of a 28-meter tower had collapsed (Wenxingta, An-xian)
An earthquake of magnitude 8 occurred in the Sichuan province of China, with the seismic center in Wenchuan-xian, on May 12, 2008. It was a catastrophic disaster that resulted in serious damages including deaths and fatalities due to the collapse of buildings and landslides. Sichuan province has a long history and many of its cultural properties were also seriously damaged. Following the dispatch of a team immediately after the earthquake in order to save lives, the Japanese government submitted a “support package” to the Chinese government listing the types of support that each ministry would be to provide. Response was received at the end of June, and it was decided to exchange Japanese and Chinese experts in order to support the restoration of cultural properties, a project proposed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, conducted research from September 25 to 30. Focus was placed on collecting information in preparation for developing a specific plan for restoration activities that Japan would provide. For this purpose the current condition of damage was investigated and opinions were exchanged with local persons in charge of the protection of cultural properties. Although 4 months had passed since the earthquake occurred, traces of damage were still visible in the disaster-stricken area. For example, at some temple offices people were working in tents used during evacuation even though winter was approaching.
The following were decided during this visit and through discussions with experts.
1) Approximately 10 experts from Japan would visit Sichuan province and hold a seminar on the theme of protecting cultural properties from earthquakes, working with Chinese experts.
2) Mainly buildings and objects stored in muse-ums would be restored.
3) The time immediately after the 2009 lunar New Year (January 26) would be appropriate.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs has received the report of this investigation and is currently examining specific details.
Investigation at Rashaan Khad site
Workshop for protection of cultural heritage in Japan and Mongolia
From September 3 to 13, 2008, we visited Mongolia to conclude the agreement on cooperation for the conservation of cultural heritage of Mongolia with the Department of Culture and Art, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, hold a workshop as part of an exchange program commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and survey the partner country.
From September 5 to 8, we visited sites in Khentii Aimag (province), in the conservation of which Japan was asked to cooperate. At Rashaan Khad site, pictures of animals and characters of various languages are found on rocks dating from the Paleolithic era to the time of the Mongol Empire. Serven Khaalga site is a memorial of the war in which Genghis Khan participated. The present condition of these sites, valuable sites that may be called national treasures of Mongolia, were documented by photographs and GPS and the state of their deterioration was investigated.
On September 9, the Agreement between the Department of Culture and Art, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Mongolia and the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, Japan on Cooperation on the Conservation of Cultural Heritage of Mongolia was signed. The agreement covers activities such as the implementation of joint projects, cooperation in research and development, capacity development and holding of workshops, all with focus on the protection of cultural heritage. It emphasizes cooperation in the protection of both tangible and intangible cultural heritages while respecting the positions of both organizations.
On September 10 and 11, a workshop entitled “Protection of Tangible/Intangible Cultural Heritage in Mongolia and Japan” was held. This was the first of the joint projects between the two organizations and was supported by the Japanese embassy in Mongolia. The topic of the workshop was decided by the government of Mongolia in December 2007 for the purpose of improving laws related to the conservation of cultural heritage, protecting historical and cultural monuments, and promoting economic contribution by developing tourism. Fourteen people from Japan and twenty from Mongolia participated in the workshop. Four presentations each were given by Japan and Mongolia, followed by a question and answer session.
Presentation at the 22nd international workshop on conservation and restoration of cultural properties
The 22nd international workshop on conservation and restoration of cultural properties entitled “Conservation of Sites and Water” was held on September 19, 2008, with 75 participants. 3 presentations were made: “The Hydrology, Hydraulics, and Geotechnics of Moenjodaro” by Mr. Richard Hughes of the International Heritage Conservation and Management Ltd., UK; “Present Condition and Problems of Conservation at the Sendai City Tomizawa Site Museum” by Mr. Sato Hiroshi of the Sendai City Tomizawa Site Museum; and “The Underwater Park of Baiae – Preservation and Public Access” by Dr. Nicola Severino of Naples and Pompei Special Archeology Station, Italy. These presentations were followed by comprehensive discussions. Ways to avoid water are often discussed in conserving sites, and exam-ples of sites at which conservation is conducted on the premise that there is water may be useful as reference when considering the conservation of sites in different circumstances.
The 4th Debriefing Session of Japan-Thai Joint Research Results
Based on the letters exchanged between the Thai Culture Ministry Fine Arts Department and the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo in October 2006, the Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation is performing joint research with the Fine Arts Department on the deterioration and conservation of ruins in Thailand. We hosted the debriefing session of the research results in Bangkok.
The session took place at the Thai National Gallery on September 4 and 5. Research presentations were given at the session – six from Japan and four from Thailand- and lively discussion took place among the approximately 30 local researchers who participated.
While staying in Thailand, we visited the Fine Arts Department, and had a meeting concerning the Asian Cultural Heritage International Conference to be held on January 14-16, 2009.
Visiting restored urban areaｓ of old Québec
ICOMOS General Assembly
I participated in the 16th ICOMOS General Assembly held in Québec （Canada） from September 27 to October 4, as a part of research activities on international trends in cultural heritage conservation.
Experts of various fields related to conservation of tangible cultural heritage assembled from around the world. Approximately 20 people from Japan attended making the 2nd largest delegation from the Asia-Pacific region. The theme “Finding the Spirit of the Place” was discussed throughout the whole session, at the General Assembly, during the International Forum for Young Researchers and Professionals, the meetings of the International Scientific Committees (ISCs), the International Scientific Symposium, as well as site visits. The Forum for Young Researchers and Professionals (Sept. 27-28) was a new attempt where young researchers contributed to active discussions. As many as 23 specialized meetings were set for the ISC meetings (Sept. 29) among which I attended five meetings where Japan was little or not represented so far, and calling for greater participation. On September 30, the opening of the General Assembly took place. The International Symposium (Oct. 1-2) had four simultaneous sessions set around the theme ‘Spirit of the Place’; various examples of conservation practices from all over the world were introduced along with poster sessions. On September 3, the participants divided into seven groups to visit the heritage of Québec, its old city and surrounding sites. As a result of the General Assembly and the elections, one member from Japan was elected for the Executive Committee and one member was admitted to honorary membership. Throughout these eight days we had valuable opportunities to actively exchange opinions and develop networks further ahead.
On August 19, “Energy and Environment Course” was held by the Japan Atomic Energy Relations Organization in the seminar room of the Institute for people associated with school education. It was followed by a tour of the facilities of the Institute with focus on analyses using radial rays that are employed in the restoration of cultural properties. The participants visited the Radiography Lab on the basement floor, the Analytical Science Section and Restoration Studio of the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques, and the exhibit of materials displayed on the first floor. People in charge of each facility provided explanations and answered questions.
Mr. Choi Tae Yong, Director General for Planning and Coordination of the Cultural Heritage Administration (left), and Director General Suzuki of the Institute
Shirono Seiji, the Institute's photographer, (left) explained the special roentgenography to Mr. Choi Tae Yong, Director General for Planning and Coordination (center) and Mr. Cho Hyun-Jung, Information Management Office (right), both of the Cultural Heritage Administration, Korea.
On August 22, Mr. Choi Tae Yong, Director General for Planning and Coordination and Mr. Cho Hyun-Jung, officer of the Information Management Office, both of the Cultural Heritage Administration, Korea, and Mr. Choi Byoung Mi of the Korean Cultural Center at the Korean Embassy in Japan visited the Department of Research Programming. The purpose of their visit was to investigate cases overseas on matters of the management of cultural heritage archives and digitization of cultural properties and to hold discussions with persons in charge of such matters. After talking with the Institute’s Director General Suzuki, they visited the Library of the Department of Research Programming and observed the data input work. They also visited the Image Laboratory where Shirono Seiji, the Institute’s photographer, explained the newest special roentgenography showing the differences in fluorographic images of silk made in Japan, Korea and China. The visitors listened with great interest to the results of studies using high technology and exchanged opinions. The Republic of Korea is now promoting the construction of cultural heritage archives and the digitization of data on a national basis, and the information provided by the Institute seemed to be of great use to them.
