On July 1-2, 2026, the Vietnam National Museum of History (VNMH) in collaboration with Da Lat University and Japanese conservation experts, organized a professional training workshop on the conservation of waterlogged wooden artifacts by the Trehalose method. The workshop serves as an important preparation for the project "Conservation of Ancient Waterlogged Boat in Vietnam by the Trehalose Method", while promoting the application of advanced conservation technologies for Vietnam's cultural heritage.
The project was jointly developed by VNMH and Da Lat University with financial supported from the Sumitomo Foundation (Japan). It aims to study and conserve an ancient wooden boat in the Museum's collection, which was discovered in a riverbed and dating to the 1st century BC. The project also seeks to gradually transfer and apply Trehalose method for the of waterlogged wooden artifacts in Vietnam.
Participating in the program were Prof. Kouji Ito (Institute for Cultural Heritage Conservation, Tohoku University of Art and Design, Japan), Mr. Akira Kobayashi (Kyushu Museum of History, Japan), Prof. Tamikazu Kume, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh, and Mr. Ha Xuan Tuan (Da Lat University). From VNMH, participants included Mr. Nguyen Quoc Binh, Deputy Director; Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong Thom, Head of the Inventory and Conservation Department and other conservation staff.
Prior to the workshop, the Japanese expert delegation met with the leadership of the VNMH. During the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Binh, Deputy Director provided an overview of wooden artifacts discovered through archaeological excavations in Vietnam, with particular emphasis on discoveries made since the 1960s. He also presented the current status and challenges of waterlogged wooden artifact conservation in Vietnam. He expressed hope that the cooperation project would enable the Museum to acquire, master, and apply advanced conservation techniques, thereby enhancing the conservation of this unique category of artifact.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Binh, Deputy Director of the VNMH in discussion with the Japanese expert delegation.
Representing the Japanese team, Prof. Kouji Ito introduced the Trehalose method and shared his experience in applying this technique to the conservation of waterlogged artifacts in Japan. He explained that the method has proven effective for a wide range of waterlogged organic materials, particularly wood, paper, and textiles. He also expressed his commitment to supporting the VNMH throughout the implementation of the project.
In addition to theoretical discussions, the experts directly provided hands-on training for the Museum’s conservation staff in the treatment of waterlogged wooden artifacts using the Trehalose method. By combining theory with practice, the workshop helped the participants to become familiar with the technical procedures and professional standards required for artifact treatment.
Prof. Kouji Ito presenting the theory of the Trehalose conservation method.
Within the framework of the program, the expert delegation also conducted a survey and assessed the current condition of the ancient wooden boat-shaped coffin, which has been selected for the project “Conservation of Ancient Waterlogged Boat in Vietnam by the Trehalose Method”. The involved parties also discussed technical requirements, implementation conditions, and the roadmap for the conservation work in the coming period.
Prof. Kouji Ito guiding the steps to clean the specimens after soaking.
Museum staff practicing the cleaning of specimens after soaking.
Through the training workshop, the conservation staff of the VNMH gained an initial understanding of the principles, procedures, and technical requirements of the Trehalose method for conserving waterlogged wooden artifacts. It also provided the Museum’s conservation staff a valuable opportunity to discuss practical issues directly with the experts, thereby enhancing their professional capacity and ability to apply modern preservation methods to artifact conservation.
The experts and museum staff surveying and assessing the condition of the ancient wooden boat burial
The training workshop marks the first step in a series of preparatory activities for the project "Conservation of Ancient Waterlogged Boat in Vietnam by the Trehalose Method". The knowledge, practical experience, and professional exchanges gained through the workshop will be an important foundation for the next phase of the project, with the goal of conserving the ancient waterlogged boats using the Trehalose method. Beyond its technical objectives, the project is expected to strengthen international cooperation and promote the application of modern conservation technologies in the preservation of Vietnam's cultural heritage.
Thu Hien