As an irreplaceable part of the nation's heritage, how should cultural assets be utilized and passed on to future generations? The central government should spare no effort to tackle the issue, while deepening cooperation with local governments and experts.
It is likely that multi-colored murals at the Kitora tomb -- a government-designated special historic site in the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, that is believed to have been built sometime between the late seventh century and the early eighth century -- will be collectively designated as a national treasure.
The tomb includes depictions of the four ancient deities of Chinese mythology -- a blue dragon, white tiger, phoenix-like creature, and tortoise-snake hybrid -- on the walls of the stone chamber. An astronomical chart on the ceiling is believed to be the oldest depiction of its kind in East Asia.
Only two sites in Japan feature such tumulus murals -- the other is found in the same village at the Takamatsuzuka tomb, which has been designated as a national treasure.
The murals convey the excellent culture that existed in the Asuka period (592-710), showcasing the diverse techniques introduced from the Asian continent. They are indispensable artifacts for historical studies of ancient paintings. Designation of the Kitora tomb as a national treasure is only natural.
Following their discovery in 1983, the murals were found later to have been on the brink of peeling off. In 2004, the Cultural Affairs Agency decided to preserve the murals by removing them together with the plaster on which they were painted from the chamber. The restoration involved a group of experts dividing the plaster, which was only a few millimeters thick, into more than 1,100 pieces.
After 12 years of hard work, the restoration was completed thanks to the expertise and perseverance of officials concerned.
Reignite interest
The walls and ceiling of the tomb were moved to a preservation facility near the original site. A full-size model installation of the stone chamber has already been viewed by about 100,000 visitors. The original murals have also been regularly shown to the public.
People will learn the value of cultural assets and preservation techniques by visiting the ancient tombs. This is an ideal example of how to make use of cultural properties.
By having the Kitora murals designated as a national treasure, public interest in them will grow further. It is crucial for the importance of cultural assets to be reaffirmed by as many people as possible.
The restoration work of the Takamatsuzuka tomb murals is expected to be finished in about one year. The tomb's chamber had to be dismantled and removed from the burial mound in 2007 after neglectful management led to an outbreak of mold. As with the Kitora tomb paintings, the murals are to be preserved and exhibited at a different location for the time being.
The Nara prefectural government and local municipalities are aiming to have the ancient remains and temple relics in the whole area, including both the Kitora and Takamatsuzuka tombs, registered as a World Heritage site. In 2007, they were entered on the provisional list of the central government. For them to be considered, the murals have to be restored to their original state and returned to their original sites.
The remains are, in principle, to be kept at their original sites, with the burial mound, stone chamber and mural preserved together. Prudent measures are necessary, in light of the present situation in which there still remain such concerns as a fresh outbreak of mold.
During the restoration of the Kitora murals, experts worked out new methods and techniques every time difficulties arose. Scientific data was also accumulated. Making use of such valuable findings, discussions on procedures for future preservation work must be deepened.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 31, 2019)
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