Flying Egrets
Restoration of two Japanese folding screens
In the traditional Japanese restoration studio Restoriant, two 17th century Japanese folding screens of the Rijksmuseum are being restored. Paper conservator Juliet Baines spends a period of time in the studio to follow their working method.
About the project
The two six-parted folding screes AK-MAK-170-A and B show big white egrets, flying from the reed. The paintings on paper are stretched on a wooden frame covered with ten layers of paper. The paintings are thus protected against fluctuations in the climate and remain tense. Over time, damage has occurred, requiring a full restoration.
During the treatment, the paintings are detached and the paper is cleaned and repaired. The folding screens are then reassembled. The construction of Japanese folding screens is so complex that a lot of experience is needed to carry out a good restoration. The Rijksmuseum therefore outsources the work to the specialized studio in Leiden for the expertise of their conservators.
Aim of the project
Restorient's conservators, Sydney Thomson and Andrew Thompson, are one of the few in Europe with the knowledge and skills to carry out complex restorations of Japanese folding screens. In recent years, they have treated several folding screens of the Rijksmuseum. Because conservator Juliet is joining the work this time, the restoration history of this group of objects can be well documented.
In addition, knowledge about Japanese paper restoration techniques and the use of traditional materials is exchanged with the Rijksmuseum paper workshop. As a result, this specialist knowledge is guaranteed and the Asian collections on paper can be taken care of even better in the future. The restored folding screens can be visited in the Rijksmuseum galleries until October 31 2023.
Staff
Juliet Baines
Junior Paper Conservator
j.baines@rijksmuseum.nl
Menno Fitski
Head of Asian Art
m.fitski@rijksmuseum.nl
Sydney Thomson
sydney@restorient.com
Andrew Thompson andrew@restorient.com
Donators
These works are on long-term loan from the Association of Friends of Asian Art (VVAK).
