Under the fiscal year’s allocation for the project of protection, preservation and restoration of Japanese overseas cultural heritage funded by SUMITOMO Foundation (Japan), two Japanese specialists including Mr. Onishi Tomohiro (Kyushu National Museum) and Mr. Shiga Satoshi (Mejieo Lacquer Research Institute - Kyushu National Museum) had a discussion with the VNMH on 5-9-2013.
The meeting focused on the talk over the study, research and creating a plan to conserve and restore the ancient worshipping painting of Ham Long pagoda - one of objects preserved at the VNMH. Attending the discussion were Mr. Nguyen Dinh Chien - Deputy Director and members of the VNMH Scientific Council.
The overall view of the discussion
The content of the discussion was to listen to the presentations made by Japanese specialists for the planning of conservation and restoration of the ancient worshipping painting of Ham Long pagoda - an artifact, which has been preserved at the VNMH.
It is a Buddhist worshipping painting made of wood and lacquered in multiple colors, expressing a sitting Buddha on 3 layers. The top layer, which painted the Buddha sitting right in the middle on a lotus with the haloes behind and the clouds surrounded. This painting has a date back at the end of 18th century and early 19th century (at the end of Le dynasty and at the early of Nguyen dynasty). It was worshipped in Ham Long pagoda, Hanoi, an ancient pagoda of thousands of year age. The painting was sent to VNMH in the resistance war. It is a precious and rare work of art made of wood and with the special style. Although it was safe preserved in a considerable condition, it has been degraded, broken, termite eaten, lacquer color fading and rubbed…due to its wooden material and long time of existence. Thus, the conservation and restoration of this painting is very urgent and crucial.
Specialists from the National Museum of Kyushu
At the discussion, Mr. Onishi Tomohiro presented the solutions for the restoration such as keeping it hygienic and stabilizing painting structure (mainly the wooden frame of the painting), sticking the small rubbed lacquer and coloring the big one.
Mr. Onishi Tomohiro to make the presentation for the conservation planning
After discussing at the meeting room and gathering to have a look on the painting, the Scientific Council of VNMH has agreed with the conservation planning which was proposed by Japanese specialists. It combined the traditional and modern methodologies while insuring the museology rules, maximizing the original characteristic of the object and improving the durability without making the damage for the object. During the restoration, Japanese side will exchange information, instruct and transfer technology for VNMH personnel.
Minh Vượng
English: Tran Trang