“Unlocking Mysteries: Timeless Practices Restore Treasures of Forbidden City”
BEIJING (AP) — In a cutting-edge laboratory setting, rather than a traditional museum, a small piece of a glazed roof tile from Beijing’s Forbidden City is meticulously examined using state-of-the-art X-ray diffraction technology. The resulting images are projected onto computer screens for closer analysis. The fragment under scrutiny displays a dark spot on its surface, prompting restorers to delve into its composition. Their primary aim is to enhance the preservation of the vast array of artifacts housed within the expansive imperial palace, once the residence of China’s emperors and the center of power for centuries.
“We seek to uncover the secrets of the black substance,” shared Kang Baoqiang, one of the restoration experts at the site, now transformed into a globally renowned museum. “Is it the product of environmental factors or an internal transformation?”
A dedicated team of around 150 individuals combine scientific investigations with traditional methodologies to refurbish, repair, and revive over 1.8 million relics within the museum’s collection. This assortment includes scroll paintings, calligraphy, bronzes, ceramics, and even exquisite antique clocks presented to emperors by early European guests.
In a neighboring room, two restorers painstakingly mend a panel of intricately patterned green silk featuring the Chinese character for “longevity,” employing a meticulous process known as “inpainting” to restore its vibrancy. This particular piece is believed to have been a gift to Empress Dowager Cixi, a prominent figure during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Despite the laborious and time-consuming nature of their work, the restorers find fulfillment in the restoration process. “My motivation lies not in grand aspirations of heritage preservation,” expressed Wang Nan, one of the team members. “I derive satisfaction from the accomplishment of repairing an ancient artifact.”
Now a prominent tourist destination at the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City earned its moniker during imperial rule due to restricted access for outsiders. Formally designated as the Palace Museum, the vast complex holds a rich historical legacy and was safeguarded during tumultuous periods such as World War II and the civil war that led to the Communist Party’s ascendancy in 1949.
Qu Feng, the head of the museum’s Conservation Department, highlights the evolution of restoration techniques while emphasizing the enduring significance of traditional practices as the cornerstone of their endeavors. “Preservation of cultural heritage is paramount in our mission,” Qu stated. “We protect the intrinsic values carried by each antique piece.”
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This report includes contributions from Associated Press video producer Olivia Zhang.
