The Cooperative Program for the Conservation of Japanese Art Objects Overseas

Japanese art objects in overseas collections are often subjected to different climate and environmental conditions than they would normally have experienced in Japan. This has meant that there are a considerable number of such works in poor condition. Because overseas collections lack the specific knowledge and techniques needed for the conservation of art works in Japanese traditional media, there are often cases of superb art works languishing away from the public eye because they are not in an exhibitable condition.

These damaged art works are important "cultural ambassadors of Japan" which can serve to introduce Japanese culture to overseas audiences. With this belief in mind, in 1991 the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs began The Cooperative Program for the Conservation of Japanese Art Objects in order to bring such damaged art works to Japan for conservation treatment. The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, was given the responsibility of carrying out this program, and to date, 323 objects from a total of 44 overseas museums have been handled for conservation assistance.

This exhibition presents six works, namely five paintings and one lacquer work that were conserved under this program during the fiscal year 2006. It is our greatest hope that visitors to this exhibition will find it an opportunity to learn about how Japanese culture contributes to international aid and cooperation.