■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 |
|
Koryū Sōka Kuden Hisho (held by the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)
Chinese books published during the Ming dynasty, known as Ming editions, were swiftly imported into Japan and profoundly influenced Japanese culture from the Muromachi period through the Edo period. A notable example is Ping Shi (『瓶史』), authored by Yuan Hongdao (袁宏道) in 1600, during the 28th year of the Wanli reign. Ping Shi was brought to Japan by at least 1629 (Kanei 6), and during the late Edo period it was enthusiastically embraced by the literati, leading to the establishment of numerous Sōka (Minimalist flower arrangement) schools. This influence is evident in the successive publications of ikebana-related texts from the 18th century onwards, such as Honchō Heishi Nageire Kishinonami (1750), Heika Anshū Fū Heiwa (1785), and Heishi Kokujikai (1809, 1810).
However, the details of Ping Shi’s reception in the earlier 17th century remain unclear. At the 6th seminar held by the Department of Art Research, Archives, and Information Systems on October 29, 2024, Ms. ONO Mayumi, Head of the Japanese and East Asian Art History Section of the Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems, presented her findings on the influence of Yuan Hongdao’s Ping Shi during the early Edo period. Her presentation, titled “The Reception of Yuan Hongdao’s Ping Shi in Early Edo Japan: Introducing FUJIMURA Yōken’s Kadōsho,” shed light on this underexplored history. Ms. ONO introduced a newly discovered kadōsho (flower arrangement manual), Koryū Sōka Kuden Hisho, which reveals that FUJIMURA Yōken (1613–1699) revered Yuan Hongdao. Yōken not only embraced the principles of Ping Shi, but also founded a distinct school of Sōka. A prominent tea master of the 17th century, Yōken served as the head of the Gofuku merchant house Jūniya in Kyoto and worked for the TŌDŌ family. He studied Chinese classics under MIYAKE Bōyō (1580–1649) and trained in tea ceremony under the Yabunouchi and Enshū schools before becoming a disciple of SEN Sōtan (1578–1658). Known for his excellence in Chinese poetry and his diverse tea practices, Yōken also demonstrated exceptional skill in flower arrangement. The session featured valuable commentary from Associate Professor YAMAMOTO Yoshitaka of the National Institute of Japanese Literature, who provided insights into Ping Shi.
Yuan Hongdao’s philosophy of flowers—emphasizing that placing a single branch in a vase is akin to immersing oneself in nature—resonated deeply with Edo-period sensibilities. The Seminar fostered discussions among experts from various fields about how this philosophy was received and evolved into different schools of ikebana during the Edo period. Building on these discussions and the textual analysis of Koryū Sōka Kuden Hisho, future research will continue to delve into the nuanced reception and development of Ping Shi within Japan’s ikebana traditions.
Performance by Mr. ICHIRYUSAI Teikitsu
Talk show featuring Mr. ICHIRYUSAI Teikitsu (right) and Mr. IJIMA Mitsuru
On October 3, 2024, a symposium entitled “Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties’ Recording Project for Performing Arts (Kodan): In Memory of Master ICHIRYUSAI Teisui” was held in the seminar room of the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN).
The Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage has been conducting projects to record performances of intangible cultural properties, mainly classical performing arts, selecting genres and repertoires that are rarely performed to the public. From 2002 to 2020, we have filmed and recorded 145 performances of kodan(storytelling) by ICHIRYUSAI Teisui (1939-2020), a holder of the Nationally Designated Important Intangible Cultural Property “Kodan” [individually certified].
The symposium began with an opening remark by Mr. ISHIMURA Tomo, director of the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and then featured a lecture by Prof. IMAOKA Kentaro from the Musashino Art University, entitled “On the Establishment of the Kabuki Play ‘Kanjincho’ and its Relationship with Kodan.” There was also a screening a film of ‘Kimura Nagatonokami no Kannin Bukuro,’ an episode from “Nanba Senki,” performed by ICHIRYUSAI Teisui and recorded at the performing arts studio in the institute on May 26, 2015. Afterwards, Mr. ICHIRYUSAI Teikitsu, a disciple of ICHIRYUSAI Teisui, performed the play “Kanjincho,” followed by a talk show entitled “About Master ICHIRYUSAI Teisui,” featuring Mr. ICHIRYUSAI Teikitsu and Mr. IJIMA Mitsuru, a visiting researcher of TOBUNKEN.
These recordings of ICHIRYUSAI Teisui’s performances will soon be available to view (with a few exceptions) at the TOBUNKEN library. An announcement will be made on our website when these become available.
The Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage will continue to record classical performing arts that are rarely performed, and make them available to the public in an appropriate manner, in an effort to contribute to the preservation of intangible cultural properties.
Recording scene of ‘Manzairaku,’ the bugaku performance
Recording scene of ‘Ryo-oh,’ the bugaku performance
On 30 September and 1 October 2024, a series of experiments was conducted to simultaneously measure audiovisual data, physiological data (such as respiration), and motion capture data during multi-person performances of gagaku, Japanese court music, as part of the joint research project “Dance and Instrumental Performance: Embodied Communication in Gagaku Practice,” led by Dr. KAMATA Sayumi, Researcher of the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The project involves collaboration with the University of Tokyo, J. F. Oberlin University, Kobe University, Riken, and Durham University, and is supported by a Mishima Kaiun Memorial Foundation 2024 Academic Research Grant.
Traditional performing arts often require performers in different roles to coordinate their expressions; however, this coordination is not merely mechanical. To explore how this is achieved from multiple perspectives, the experiment had two main objectives: (i) to record elements that cannot be captured by video or audio alone, such as breathing and fine movements; and (ii) to gather insights from the performers about their specific awareness and coordination during their instrumental or dance roles. With the cooperation of a total of 13 performers, two representative pieces, ‘Manzairaku’ and ‘Ryo-oh,’ were recorded in both the bugaku (with dance) and kangen (instrumental only) styles. These pieces were chosen for their significance in the gagaku repertoire and their contrasting performance styles.
The data collected, both quantitative (audiovisual, physiological, motion capture) and qualitative (interviews), will be analyzed in detail to understand the interaction between performers. Although the research is in its early stages, it is expected to contribute to the development of diverse methodologies for documenting and preserving traditional performing arts.
Investigation of flood damage in Barbar temple
Symposium on Al Faw Archaeological Area
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation sent a research team to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to take part in investigation and discussion of the preservation of cultural heritage in early October.
A tripartite memorandum of agreement had been signed among the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, and the Institute for the Study of Ancient Civilizations and Cultural Resources at Kanazawa University. Together they launched a research center to promote archaeological studies in Bahrain and cultural heritage preservation projects in collaboration. The purpose of this visit was to investigate the current preservation conditions of cultural heritage that had been damaged by heavy rain in the beginning of this year. In Qalat al Bahrain, collapse of the outer walls of the fort by water damage and serious bending of the ceiling beams made from palm trees were recognized, and the site was temporarily closed to the public. Additionally, soil erosion was recognized in a well thought to be the most sacred part of the Barbar temple, and several stones were inclined or moved by the water flow. Effects on the cultural heritage due to increasing annual precipitation is becoming more serious year by year across the Middle East. We proposed to periodically monitor the progression of deterioration in comparison with the past situation, and discussed immediate countermeasures to reduce flood damage.
We attended a symposium held in Riyadh that focused on the Al Faw Archaeological Area in Saudi Arabia, which had just been newly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in September 2024, and then visited the archaeological site. Excavation has been completed only by a few percentages, as the Al Faw Archaeological site is large and complex, mainly composed of a pre-Islamic caravan city, and also includes an area of ritual practice and numerous mound tombs from the Bronze Age. We also had a meeting with the Heritage Committee of the government of Saudi Arabia, and agreed to continue discussions on a partnership to promote site management and research for a future public opening of the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.
Training in Photogrammetry
Peace Park Tour VR in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Experiencing AR content at the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation held a workshop and study tour, titled, “Workshop on 3D Digital Documentation of the Cultural Heritage and Its Application” and “Study Tour on the Utilization of AR, VR, and Digital Contents in Japanese Museums and Archaeological Sites,” in Japan on October 21-30, 2024 as a part of the Activities for Exchanges in International Cooperation for Conservation of Cultural Heritage sponsored by the Agency of Cultural affairs. This is an advanced program following a basic technical workshop held in Bahrain in December 2023. Seven researchers who were invited from five different counties, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt, attended an advanced technical lecture and hands-on program, and received on-site training in flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for wide-area surveys of archaeological sites and historical buildings. Furthermore, a study tour to find examples of usage of 3D digital documentation in Japan was conducted.
The aim of holding this invitational program in Japan is to provide opportunities to learn about various usage and applications in the areas of historical education, museum exhibitions, and open-site museums in addition to implementing 3D digital documentation in the fields of archaeology or historical buildings. The following examples were introduced: digital content, such as a digital chronicle of the Japanese fine arts produced by the Tokyo National Museum and National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties; a 3DDB Model Viewer, which is a twin digital project sponsored by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology; and the “Museum of the Street,” which is a unique program to provide touchable exhibitions reproduced from 3D digital data of real museum objects. Moreover, we visited and experienced the “Peace Park Tour VR” at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park; Otsuka Ohmi Ceramic Co., Ltd., a factory producing replicas of cultural properties; and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) contents merged with an on-site exhibition of archaeological remains and reconstructed streetscape in the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum.
Since it was seen that each country has different main objectives to implement 3D digital documentation, more practical cooperation programs to respond to each need will be considered in the future.
Implementation of pack method using inorganic restorative materials
Before and after conservation and restoration
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties has been conducting research titled “International Research on Technology for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage” since the fiscal year 2021. Last year, a research survey was conducted on the trowel paintings at the earthen storehouse of the former Kina-Saffron-Shu-Honpo in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. The research focused on removing contaminants such as dust, as well as identifying appropriate conservation and restoration methods for damaged areas, such as peeling and flaking, with the aim of establishing effective techniques. This research was commissioned by the government of Nagaoka City. Building on this, from 26 September to 16 October of this year, a follow-up study was conducted with the cooperation of European experts. The goal was to develop methods for reinforcing and restoring the colored layers and plaster layers, as well as techniques for retouching the decoration.
In the past, synthetic resin-based materials were used for the repair of damaged areas of these trowel paintings. However, due to the high temperature and humidity in summer and heavy snowfall during the winter, the materials had deteriorated significantly over time. At times, the restoration materials themselves contributed to the deterioration of the trowel paintings. To improve this situation, we considered introducing durable inorganic restoration materials. For the retouching, we adopted a coloring method that not only preserves the dignity of the mural, which will soon be 100 years old, but also harmonizes with the overall appearance of the entire trowel painting storage.
The conservation and restoration methods for the trowel paintings established through this series of research surveys mark the first such case in Japan from the perspective of cultural heritage preservation studies. While it will be necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the results based on future monitoring, it can be said that a significant step forward has been made toward improving the current condition.
said that a significant step forward has been made toward improving the current condition.