Cooperative Program for the Conservation of Japanese Artworks in Overseas Collections

Many old Japanese artworks residing in overseas collections serve as "cultural ambassadors", introducing traditional Japanese culture to overseas audiences. However, these works are often subjected to climate and environmental conditions which differ to those encountered in Japan. This situation has lead to a deterioration of the condition of a considerable number of works, in some cases rendering them unsuitable for exhibition.

As a result, in 1991 the Agency for Cultural Affairs created the "Cooperative Program for the Conservation of Japanese Artworks in Overseas Collections" focusing on paintings. Subsequently, in 1997, decorative artworks were also included in the program, and from 2001, the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, was given the responsibility of administering it. Moreover, in 2006, a lacquerware conservation studio was opened in Germany, and Japanese specialists were sent to undertake conservation work there. To date, a total of 332 items from 48 overseas museums and art galleries have been handled for conservation assistance by the program.

This exhibition presents a total of seven artworks, specifically five paintings and 2 lacquer works, brought to Japan during the fiscal year 2007, to undergo restoration work which had proved to be difficult to conduct overseas. It is our hope that this exhibition will serve to promote understanding of the international contribution and cooperation made by the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo.