China accelerates restoration of thousands of valuable artefacts

In China, efforts to restore thousands of artefacts have gained momentum, with conservators working diligently in Beijing. The initiative to restore these historical treasures is part of a broader campaign to preserve Chinese heritage, spurred by President Xi Jinping's directive. The restoration activities have become more pronounced over the past decade, coinciding with the Palace Museum's plans to commemorate its 100th anniversary and open a new branch in Beijing later this year. Currently, only about 10,000 artefacts from the nearly 2 million housed at the Palace Museum are on display, highlighting the need for restoration as many treasures remain hidden. Among the artefacts being addressed is a Qing dynasty lacquer panel, intricately inlaid with jade and agate. The restoration process is meticulous, with conservators like Sun Ou detailing how some components have deteriorated significantly. The panel's condition had worsened, requiring extensive reinforcement after over 100 components had fallen off. This level of care underlines the historical significance of these items and the challenges faced in their preservation. The Palace Museum, established in 1925, has had a tumultuous history, especially during World War II and the Cultural Revolution, when many of its collections were threatened. In the early 1930s, the museum authorities took proactive measures by relocating various items to prevent damage during Japanese occupation. More recently, many artefacts had previously been taken by the Nationalist government fleeing to Taiwan after the Chinese civil war in 1949, resulting in significant losses for the mainland museum. Despite these challenges, efforts are now focused on raising awareness and showcasing more artefacts to the public, as exemplified by the recent opening of a Hong Kong branch that displays around 900 pieces. As restoration and curation methods evolve, there is an optimistic outlook towards presenting China's rich cultural legacy to the world, reinforcing its cultural prominence on the global stage.