Restoration treatment of Chinese scrolls Discussion in the garden and Relaxation in the garden
Type of project: Bachelor’s thesis, 2019-20
Restored by: Markéta Doležalová, Laura Khaindrava, Kateřina Zadinová, Jiří Pečinka
Teaching supervision: Mgr. art. Luboš Machačko
Microscopy survey: Ing. Jiří Kmošek (FR UPa)
Expert consultant: MgA. Barbora Bartyzalová
Title of the artwork: Chinese scrolls Discussion in the garden and Relaxation in the garden
Artist: unknown
Dating: without dating (probably the 17th century)
Technique: Chinese ink drawing on paper support framed in silk monocoloured border with a floral motif
Dimensions: 2000 mm x 740 mm (h. x w.)
Location: private collection
Condition of the artwork before restoration:
The artworks were in dilapidated condition. Due to inexpert handling, storage conditions and the fact that the artworks were subjected to unsuitable climatic conditions, both the artworks on paper support and the silk border suffered severe deterioration. They carried significant evidence of brittleness, undulations, creation of wrinkles and fractures, which lead to formation of extensive tears and losses of the paper support and the textile components. Besides, the scrolls were heavily soiled with dust deposit. The paper support yellowed all over the surface and there were losses in the paint layer in several areas.
The artworks underwent a series of secondary expert and inexpert interventions. The painting had been restored in a traditional way, which was suggested by paper tapes visible when seen through.
Carrying out the project:
Not enough attention is paid to the issues of the Orient art restoration, chiefly on paper support. Likewise, not many experts work in the field either in our country or in Europe. The team of students lead by MgA. Barbory Bartyzalová, a restorer from the National Gallery, Prague, had to solve a difficult task. They had to get acquainted with the traditional Asian techniques of restoration but also with the Asian ethics and aesthetics of interventions which are very different from the European tradition. After consultations with experts from the field of restoration and Asian history of art, it was possible to find a compromise between the European and Asian approaches to restoration traditions. The unique scrolls regained their aesthetic effect and the original function.
Popisky
1_Condition of the artwork before restoration
2_ Condition of the artwork before restoration
3_ Condition of the artwork after restoration
4_ Condition of the artwork after restoration
5_Dry mechanical cleaning
6_Securing tears in the paper support
7_Mounting the scroll
7_Taking off the flattened artwork from a wooden board
8_The artwork after restoration
