Combining Science and Tradition for Artifact Restoration in Forbidden City
A team of 150 restorers at Beijing’s Forbidden City employs a combination of scientific analysis and traditional techniques to restore 1.8 million artifacts. Their work includes the careful examination of items to protect cultural values, as well as the meticulous repair of significant relics like those belonging to Empress Dowager Cixi. The museum, once inaccessible to outsiders, has evolved its collection since World War II while maintaining its historical significance.
In Beijing’s Forbidden City, a dedicated team of approximately 150 restorers utilizes both scientific analysis and traditional methods to restore over 1.8 million artifacts housed within this historical site. This intricate process includes the examination of items, such as a glazed roof tile fragment, through advanced technologies like X-ray diffraction machines to identify their condition and composition.
The restorers aim to preserve the integrity of the artifacts, some of which include scrolls, calligraphy, bronzes, ceramics, and valuable antique clocks from early European visitors. One notable restoration involves a panel featuring the Chinese character for “longevity,” believed to be a birthday gift to Empress Dowager Cixi, which requires meticulous techniques such as inpainting to repair wear and damage.
The work can be arduous and time-consuming, often taking months to complete. As Wang Nan, one of the restorers, remarked, “I simply enjoy the sense of achievement when an antique piece is fixed.” This dedication underscores the laborious and passionate efforts of the team.
Historically, the Forbidden City was referred to as such because it was inaccessible to most outsiders; today, it stands as a significant museum and tourist attraction. Many treasures were evacuated during World War II, and later, the Nationalists transported prized artifacts to Taiwan during the Chinese civil war. The Palace Museum has since restored and rebuilt its collection.
According to Qu Feng, head of the museum’s Conservation Department, while restoration techniques have advanced, traditional methods remain vital in preserving the cultural essence of these artifacts. “When we preserve an antique piece, we protect the cultural values it carries, and that is our ultimate goal.”
The restoration efforts within Beijing’s Forbidden City represent a harmonious blend of modern science and traditional craftsmanship aimed at preserving rich cultural heritage. Through the meticulous work of numerous restorers, the museum continues to recover and maintain invaluable pieces of history, ensuring their legacy endures for future generations. This dedication to both innovation and tradition highlights the importance of cultural preservation in a rapidly changing world.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
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