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Innovative Restoration Techniques at Beijing’s Forbidden City
In a setting reminiscent of a high-tech laboratory rather than a traditional museum, restorers at Beijing’s Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, are employing advanced methods to analyze and preserve the extensive collection of historical artifacts. A recent focus has been on a fragment of a glazed roof tile, which is undergoing examination using a sophisticated X-ray diffraction machine. This equipment generates images that are displayed on computer screens, aiding the restorers in determining the nature of a dark area on the tile’s surface that requires investigation.
According to Kang Baoqiang, a restorer at the museum, understanding the composition of the black material is crucial. “We want to learn what the black material is,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of whether it is due to environmental factors or internal changes over time. The Forbidden City houses approximately 1.8 million relics, and a dedicated team of about 150 professionals utilizes both scientific techniques and traditional craftsmanship to restore items ranging from delicate scroll paintings and calligraphy to ceramics and historic clocks gifted to emperors by early European visitors.
The Restoration Process: Combining Tradition with Technology
In another restoration space, two restorers meticulously address a panel of patterned green silk featuring the Chinese character for “longevity.” This process, known as “inpainting,” involves carefully adding color to patch up holes in the fabric. This particular piece is believed to have been a birthday gift for Empress Dowager Cixi, a significant political figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The arduous nature of restoration work requires immense patience, with tasks often taking months to complete. Wang Nan, another restorer, expressed a more personal motivation behind his work, stating, “I don’t have the big dreams of protecting traditional cultural heritage that people talk about. I simply enjoy the sense of achievement when an antique piece is fixed.”
The History and Significance of the Forbidden City
Once a forbidden zone for outsiders, the Forbidden City now stands as one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Beijing, formally recognized as the Palace Museum. Its treasures have experienced a tumultuous history, particularly during World War II, when many were hastily relocated to shield them from potential looting by the Japanese army. The civil war that followed in 1949 resulted in the departure of numerous prized artifacts to Taiwan, where they are currently housed in the National Palace Museum.
Today, despite past challenges, the Palace Museum has made significant efforts to rebuild its collection. The evolution of restoration techniques is evident, as noted by Qu Feng, the head of the museum’s Conservation Department. While contemporary methods have improved, the traditional techniques remain integral to their preservation efforts. “When we preserve an antique piece, we protect the cultural values it carries,” Qu commented, highlighting the ultimate goal of their work.
Conclusion
The restoration efforts within the Forbidden City exemplify the delicate balance between modern science and traditional artistry. As the museum continues to attract large numbers of visitors and scholars alike, the ongoing preservation of its vast array of artifacts ensures that the cultural heritage of China remains vibrant for future generations.
Source
phys.org