| ■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 |
|
A scene from the presentation
On January 15th (Friday), the Modern Cultural Properties Section of the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques held a study meeting titled “Conservation and Restoration Philosophies for Modern Cultural Properties” at the Institute’s seminar room. The study meeting was featured by four guest speakers: Mr.Rorf Hoehmann (Owner and Head of Office of Industrial Archaeology), Dr. ITOH Takashi (Chairman of the Japan Industrial Archaeology Society), Dr. KIMURA Tsutomu (Professor, Nagaoka Institute of Design), and Dr. SUZUKI Jun (Professor, The University of Tokyo). Mr.Hoehmann made a presentation on the conservation and restoration philosophies for industrial heritage in Germany. Dr.ITOH spoke on the conservation and restoration philosophies for each of three categories of the modern cultural properties that included Architectural Heritage, Civil Engineering Heritage, and Industrial Heritage. Prof. KIMURA made a presentation on the current situations and problems of modern cultural properties that are observed through the efforts in conservation and restoration of modern western-style buildings. Prof. SUZUKI, in view of his expertise in industrial technology history, told about the necessity of conservation of heritage, because we can find the history of technology from such heritage. The lectures were all very convincing as they were based on practice, to which the audience listened in an enthusiastic manner. As many participants indicated in their responses to the questionnaire conducted after the meeting, we also feel it important to further deepen discussion on the issue of conservation and restoration philosophies not on an ad hoc basis but on a continuous basis. Aiming to contribute to deepening discussion, we will make further efforts to promote our research study.
Study meeting at the seminar hall
The Modern Cultural Properties Section of the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques held a study meeting “Conservation and Restoration of Western Paper” which took place in the Institute’s seminar hall on November 21 (Fri.). During the study meeting, lectures were given by YASUE Akio, former dupty librarian of the National Diet Library and current contract lecturer at Gakushuin University; YOKOSHIMA Fumio, senior managing director of Preservation Technologies Japan Co.; OGASAWARA Atsushi, chief technician at Shugo; Alejandra Odor CHÁVEZ, head of the Conservation Department of the Mexican National Archives; and Anne Frances MAHEUX, head of Conservation of Art on Paper, Maps, and Manuscripts at the Library and Archives Canada. Mr. YASUE lectured changes in approaches to paper documents preservation from the perspective of archives. Mr. YOKOSHIMA presented mass deacidification. Mr. OGASAWARA described issues arising in his current conservation of notes. Ms. CHÁVEZ talked about degradation of iron gall inks and techniques to cope with that problem. Ms. MAHEUX described a conservation technique using a material known as gellan gum to treat acidic paper and iron gall inks. The lecturers were persuasive, keeping the audience in rapt attention, since they introduced their professional experiences. The atmosphere of the study meeting was enthusiastic, and there were more attendees than expected, with more than 129 in attendance.
A massive steel structure over 500 m in length that extracted coal via strip mining on one end and then transported the unneeded excavated material to dump it on the other end. (F60 overburden conveyor bridge)
Gas chambers and crematoria blown up by the German Army. Buildings have been preserved as they were when they were blown up. (Auschwitz/Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum)
From May 24 (Fri.) to June 4 (Tues.), the Modern Cultural Properties Section conducted a field survey of 7 world heritage sites and potential world heritage sites associated with modern cultural properties in Germany and Poland. The survey also examined the conservation and restoration of railroad and industrial heritage. In Germany, the survey examined the Berlin Modernism Housing Estates (which have been inscribed as a world heritage site), the Dresden Elbe Valley (which had its status as a world heritage site revoked), Electropolis Berlin (Berlin as a locus for the heavy electrical equipment industry) and mining and the cultural landscape in Freiberg in the Ore Mountains (both Electropolis Berlin and the Ore Mountains are nominated as world heritage sites). In addition, the survey examined a massive F60 overburden conveyor bridge (a machine used to strip-mine coal that is over 500 m long), paddle steamers that travel the Elbe River, and preserved railroads that operate steam locomotives. The sites and machinery have their own unique characteristics, and they have been conserved via ingenious techniques. The Berlin housing estates appear unremarkable, but the survey revealed that residents and managers have united to save these buildings, which are cultural properties. In Poland, the survey examined the historic center of Krakow (“Old Town”) and Auschwitz concentration camp (Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim), both of which are world heritage sites. There was debate over whether to preserve Auschwitz as a museum because of its historical significance, but the site now has numerous visitors. Open to the public, the gas chambers and crematoria that the German Army blew up as they retreated have been preserved as they were. However, the buildings were red brick and mortar, so conservation techniques are an issue. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (commonly called the “Atomic Bomb Dome”) is in a similar. Sharing information on conservation techniques should prove beneficial.
A presentation with technical drawings
“Goryosha,” Imperial carriages, refers to special railway cars and automobiles used by Japanese Emperors and other members of the Imperial family. Since railways were introduced in Japan in the Meiji Period, the imperial carriages have been created. The first Imperial carriage is considered to have great cultural and artistic value, therefore, it has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. However, information on the object was not readily available. Thus, the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques held a study meeting entitled “Conservation and Restoration of Goryosha, Japanese Imperial Carriages” in the Institute’s basement seminar hall on November 30, 2012.
The imperial carriages are said to be “moving works of art and craft” or “distillations of the culture of the Meiji Period.” They were specifically made for the Imperial family to use by employing the latest technologies and techniques at that time, so their furnishings and other features are extraordinary and remarkable. The carriages currently on display are 6 at the Railway Museum and 2 at the Museum Meiji-Mura. However, visitors are only able to look at their furnishings and exquisite interior decoration details through glass. At the study meeting, firstly, a specialist of industrial heritage talked about the technical aspects of the Imperial carriages and the development of the railways in Japan. Secondly, curators of the 2 museums preserving and displaying the Imperial carriages presented the characteristic furnishings and interiors of the objects. They also revealed approaches to and difficulty with daily maintenance and the way to display. Then, 2 conservators who worked to restore the Imperial carriages on display at the Railway Museum talked about actual restoration work done on the objects. It was worthy of special mention that an expert of industrial cultural heritage from Taiwan reported the Imperial carriages that were produced and left in Taiwan under Japanese rule between 1895 and 1945.
The study meeting focused on not only the technical viewpoint of conserving railway cars, but also their cultural value in terms of the history of art and craft. The meeting had over 53 attendees and ended with a lively question and answer session with the presenters.
Presentation on a restoration project in The Museum, Meiji Mura
Presentation by a researcher from the chemistry section of the German Museum of Technology
On February 10th, the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques hosted a study meeting on “Use of Oil-based Paints in Modern Architecture in Japan” in the Institute’s basement seminar hall. Oil-based paints were used in modern buildings from Meiji to Showa period. In recent attempts to restore these buildings, a frequently encountered problem has been the difficulty of identifying materials in paints. Even if they are identified, the original paints are often hard to obtain, so other materials have to be employed to repaint. Under this situation, specialists from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, museums – from both curatorial and science sections –, and a private company, met to discuss how the modern buildings, i.e. current cultural properties, were painted at that time, how those paints can be identified, why oil-based paints are hard to obtain now, and the steps that can be taken to solve these problems. Presentations were made concerning techniques to identify materials in paint samples and the difficulties in oil-based paints includes the historical background that they became obsolete because of their slow drying property. The speakers were actively engaged by the audience of 45, making the study meeting a meaningful one.
Exhibit depicting a train derailed by sabotage efforts of the Resistance during the War (la Cité du Train (Musée français du chemin de fer), Mulhouse, France)
A sightseeing submersible under restoration (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, Lucerne, Switzerland)
Precisely aligned automobiles (la Cité de l’automobile (Musée national de l’Automobile), Mulhouse, France)
Road signs as exterior decorations (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, Lucerne, Switzerland)
From March 8 (Tues.) – 14 (Mon.), the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques conducted a field survey of conservation and restoration of trains, automobiles, and aircraft in France and Switzerland. The Center also conducted an on-site study of conservation of blast furnaces in Germany. In Mulhouse, France, the la Cité du Train (Musée français du chemin de fer) and la Cité de l’automobile (Musée national de l’Automobile) were surveyed. The number of train cars and automobiles kept by both museums was both considerable and impressive. Train cars were arranged with ample space for exhibits and there was no sense of being closed in, as is often found in railroad museums. Train cars were kept indoors and properly stored. Cars were diligently repainted since this is an aspect visitors would notice, though this aspect did have some drawbacks. Nevertheless, there were various twists in the way exhibits were laid out and the museum is interesting enough to warrant repeat visits. The automobile museum was extremely neat and felt like a museum for car buffs, which is probably the result of the collection being based on automobiles that were originally privately owned. Although the cars were obviously well preserved, many of the cars were resting directly on their tires and marks on those tires were evident.
The Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, located beside Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, was surveyed. The museum grounds are over 2000 square meters and feature a space where children can play in the center with exhibit halls surrounding it. The impressive museum showcases items related to transportation. Although there was an undeniable sense that the collection was somewhat mix-and-match overall, seeing so many things in one place was a joy. Most of the exhibits were made of iron and the museum had apparently taken pains to rust-proof portions touched by visitors. The last site surveyed was an ironworks in Germany. Although its style is found throughout Europe, the facility was extremely interesting in the sense that it appeared to have mostly ceased operations and remained in that state. One hand is used on facilities for visitor safety (handrails, the elevator, and walkways) although the hands are not used elsewhere, a fact that makes the site extremely interesting. Having such a site in Japan would obviously be rather difficult because of the numerous legal constraints and need for evacuation routes in the event of a fire.
Inside the paper restoration studio at Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin
From October 5th (Tuesday) to 13th (Wednesday), researchers of the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques conducted a workshop related to the restoration of paper cultural properties at the lecture room of National Berlin Asia Museum in Berlin as part of the Cooperative Program for the Conservation of Japanese Art Objects Overseas. The workshop held this year consisted of three courses – the basic course (20 people), the beginners’ course (12 people) and the intermediate course (7 people) – on hanging scrolls, targeting conservators at museums and art museums, and restorers of paper. In the basic course, a lecture was given on paper, adhesive and restoration, and conservation. In the beginners’ course, the structure and handling of hanging scrolls was explained using a model and practical training on the coloring of silk was conducted. In the intermediate course, practical training on removal and attachment of top and bottom axes and string attachment was conducted. The workshop was received well by the participants as a fulfilling workshop.
The first Japanese-made plane of the Imperial Japanese Army (1911)
The Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques began to make public, on the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo website, the photos of airplanes such as the Farman, taken at the beginning of Japanese aviation at the Tokorozawa airfield. These photos were donated by Mr. Kitagawa Masanobu, whom lives in Tokorozawa in January 2009. The photos were taken by the late Mr. Kitagawa Hideo, the father of Kitagawa Masanobu, at the Tokorozawa airfield. The main recording media were glass plates. We are extremely grateful to Mr. Kitagawa Masanobu and other relevant individuals for the conservation of these glass plates and the making public of these digitized photos on the occasion of the memorable 100th year of Japanese aviation. The photos posted on this occasion include the first airplane to fly in Japan, Aikoku (Patriot)-go and many other precious shots. These will definitely be very valuable materials for researchers and people who are interested in aviation. The Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques will continue to make public such valuable data in the future.
Receiving Karakozu (Chinese children)
Survey before restoration
The Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques continued to restore paintings in the restoration studio of Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin this year as part of its overseas restoration work in 2009. The paintings being restored are the Darumazu (Bodhidharma in red clothes stored in Cologne Museum of East Asian Art), the restoration of which has been going on since last year, and the Karakozu (Chinese children stored in Berlin National Museum of Asian Art), the restoration of which started this year.
Because of the limited space in the restoration studio, it was not possible to restore both paintings simultaneously, but restoration engineers proceeded with their work by coordinating their activities despite the humid weather in Berlin. The restoration work was completed on July 8 for the present, and we plan that this work marks the completion of the restoration of the Darumazu.
Doudo timber basin (left bank of Yahagi River)
Gunkai Bridge in the Asuke region
The Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques is studying the storage environment and deterioration status of iron cultural assets that have been stored outdoors, including airplanes, at the Kagamigahara Aerospace Science Museum. For this field survey, we visited Toyota City and discussed the conservation status and other issues related to versatile modern heritage that uses stone with local persons in charge. The heritage discussed includes Doudo timber basin, Darumagama kiln, Meiji Old Water service weir and boat lock, Isegamizuido Tunnel, and Old Gunkai Bridge. In addition to being the home territory of Toyota Motors, Toyota City makes use of many modern cultural properties, such as the silk culture from the Meiji Era and the transport of lumber via the Yahagi River.
We will do our best to make small contributions to these efforts.
Type 2 flying boat
Conditions inside
The Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques is studying the storage environment and deterioration status of iron cultural assets stored outdoors, including airplanes, at the JMSDF Kanoya Air Base. The iron cultural assets (planes, railway vehicles, scaffolds, boats, and ships) that are currently being conserved cannot usually be stored under a roof due to their large sizes, and they are in very poor condition as a conservation environment. We are also continuing to measure the temperature and humidity inside the airplane (Type 2 flying boat) exhibited outdoors. The conservation environment inside is more stark than that outdoors because it is an enclosed place, and materials other than iron inside the plane (resin-made shields of electric wires, etc.) often melt and damage the inside resulting in a grave condition. We will work with JMSDF so that they will carefully understand the situation hereafter and take necessary measures.
Inside the mineshaft
The Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques conducted an on-site investigation of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Site, which has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site, from August 11 (Tue) to 13 (Sun). The enormous number of visitors there, which is due to the fact that the site has been added to the World Heritage List and that it was the summer vacation season, reinforced the impact recognition as a World Heritage Site has on people. A visit to the Iwami Ginzan starts from the old Omori magistrate’s office, which is now a reference library, through an area of preserved townscape designated Preservation District for Groups of Historic Structures, past the Kumagai family residence and the former Kawashima family residence, designated as important cultural properties, and to the entrance of the mineshaft. A plan is now being made to enable visitors to view some of the mineshafts, including some big ones which people used to enter in on horsebacks. As a World Heritage Site, Iwami Ginzan is expected to continue to remind people of bygone days.
Exhibition in the Thematic Exhibition Gallery of Heiseikan of the Tokyo National Museum
The Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques displayed two pairs of 6-panel folding screens, three hanging scrolls and two Japanese lacquer works, which were fully restored in the fiscal year 2007 under the Cooperative Program for the Conservation of Japanese Art Objects Overseas. The exhibition was held in the Thematic Exhibition Gallery of Heiseikan of the Tokyo National Museum from May 13 (Tuesday) to 25 (Sunday). In addition, panels introducing the restoration process for the paintings and Japanese lacquer works were exhibited in the exhibition room so that the restoration work could be seen. All these art objects have been restored to conditions appropriate for display in facilities when they are returned to their respective museums. This exhibition became a very good opportunity for visitors to the museum to gain an understanding of the international contribution and cooperation made by the Institute. We will continue to advance the Cooperative Program for further contribution to and cooperation with international conservation projects.
Inside the paper restoration studio at Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin
From March 24 (Monday) to 26 (Wednesday), researchers of the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques conducted an on-site investigation related to the restoration of paper cultural properties scheduled to begin in fiscal 2008 at the restoration studio of Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin as part of the Cooperative Program for the Conservation of Japanese Art Objects Overseas. The paper restoration studio of Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin already has necessary facilities and tools because it normally restores various paper objects. Thus, the purpose of this survey was to see if their facilities and tools are functionally satisfactory and what needs to be prepared. Based on the results of this survey, facilities will be arranged and preparations made so that the restoration of paper cultural properties in Berlin may be conducted smoothly.
A scene from the conference
The Modern Cultural Properties Section of the Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques held a conference on January 25 in the Seminar Hall of the Institute. Three lecturers were invited for the occasion: Dave Morris of the Fleet Air Arm Museum in England, Nagashima Hiroyuki of the Japan Aeronautic Association and Hirayama Sukenari of the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art.
Dave Morris presented us with a detailed explanation of the restoration of a Corsair aircraft that he undertook. His presentation introduced us to matters, including minute details that only someone who has actually worked on the restoration of the aircraft could provide. Nagashima spoke about the conservation of aircrafts, taking as an example the conservation of a Nakajima Type 91 Fighter exhibited at the Tokorozawa Aviation Museum. Hirayama used photographs and video image taken during restoration to speak about treatments provided in the restoration of Aichi Type Zero Reconnaissance Seaplane that was salvaged from the ocean at what is now Minamisatsuma city, Kagoshima prefecture, a restoration that was undertaken when he was working as a member of the restoration group at the Kanoya Air Base of Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.. As all three of the lecturers spoke from their own experience, their presentations were very convincing. There were many questions from the audience and the conference ended well past its schedule.
Ebukuro Church, Shinkamigoto-machi, Nagasaki prefecture, before the fire
Ebukuro Church, Shinkamigoto-machi, Nagasaki prefecture, after the fire
Stained glass window damaged by fire
On request from the Board of Education of Nagasaki prefecture, an on-site investigation was conducted of Ebukuro Church at Shinkamigoto-machi, which was damaged by fire in February 2007, and advice was given concerning its restoration. Ebukuro Church, a one-story, tile-roofed, wooden structure, was built in 1882 and is considered to be the oldest wooden church in Nagasaki prefecture. It stands on a steep mountain side overlooking the ocean. With its single-layer, modified hopped roof construction, it is also considered of value from the point of view of structure. However, the building was destroyed by fire, which was caused by a short circuit, in February, 2007. Rather than rebuilding the entire church, the local parishioners expressed their wish to save as much of the structural members that could be reused as possible. The Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques conducted on-site investigation and gave advice on restoration, which included impregnation of synthetic resin to members that could be reused because of comparatively less serious damage.
Investigation at the Ashmolean Museum
Based on the results of investigation conducted in July, Japanese art objects nominated as candidates for restoration during the next fiscal year were investigated at 2 museums in England (Victoria & Albert, Ashmolean Museum) and 1 museum in Germany (Museum fur Ostasiatische Kunst in Cologne ). The present condition of one object at the Victoria & Albert and 3 objects at the Ashmolean Museum were investigated in detail and discussions were held with the museums on problems that may arise in transporting the objects to Japan. We asked that sufficient care be taken when packing those objects that are significantly damaged even now with detached coating film and raden pieces and that have the possibility of becoming more damaged in the process of transport. At Cologne we received the objects to be restored there and handed them to the conservators whom we had dispatched. During this fiscal year an ornamental coffer in the collection of Museum fur Ostasiatische Kunst and a musical instrument (gekkin) from Museum fur Vokerkunde in Vienna are planned to be restored.
Investigation at Ashmolean Museum
In The Cooperative Program for the Conservation of Japanese Art Objects Overseas Japanese art objects in collections at museums overseas are temporarily brought back to Japan, restored and returned to their respective owners. By restoring such objects it becomes possible to increase opportunities for their exhibition and utilization and thereby deepen understanding about Japanese culture. In addition, the project provides an opportunity for people overseas to understand the Japanese conservation methods and policies.
Researchers visited Italy (2 museums: Museo Nazionale d’Arte Orientale and Museo d’Arte Orientale “Edoardo Chiosonne”) and England (2 museums: Victoria and Albert Museum and Ashmolean Museum) from July 3 to 14 to select candidate paintings. Investigation was made from such aspects as art history and restoration techniques and materials. As for craft work, Takeuchi Namiko and Inokuma Kaneki, associate curators of the Tokyo National Museum, joined researchers from the Institute to conduct investigation in England ((2 museums: Victoria and Albert Museum and Ashmolean Museum) and the Czech Republic (1 museum and 3 castles: Moravian Gallery, Velké Mezirící, Vranov nad Dyjf and Lednice Castle). From these investigations, a list was made of objects that will be restored in Japan and of those that may be restored at Cologne. These objects will be restored in future projects so that they may be exhibited again.
Kadomi-ke residence and storehouse damaged by the Earthquake (Tangible Cultural Property Designated by Ishikawa Prefecture)
An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 occurred on the Noto Peninsula at 9:42 am on March 25, 2007. As a result, large-scale damages occurred near the epicenter, including complete or partial destruction of houses and severing of lifelines. Cultural properties were also no exception to this disaster, and a total of 21 cases of damage to cultural properties have been reported within Ishikawa prefecture (as of April 4, 2007; Ishikawa Prefectural Board of Education).
The Center for Conservation Science and Restoration conducted on-site investigation concerning damage caused to cultural properties by the Earthquake so that it may obtain immediate understanding of the condition and factors of damage and provide advice for emergency measures and plans for future restoration. Investigation was held from April 16 (Monday) to 18 (Wednesday). Museum objects and architecture within the city of Wajima were investigated.
At a certain facility for exhibiting cultural properties, urushi lacquer panels that had been hung for display had fallen because the metals used for hanging them had been broken. Many of the buildings and storehouses in the Kuroshima district of Monzenmachi near the epicenter had been completely destroyed, as was the storehouse of a museum.
Although many investigations, research and measures have been conducted with regard to preventing disaster to cultural properties since the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake, information obtained through these attempts have not been made known throughout the nation, as became evident in this investigation. The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo will continue to conduct research concerning disaster prevention and to make more people aware of measures to prevent disaster to cultural properties by actively notifying them of the results of our studies.
