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Published: 17.06.2021

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