Conference on Japanese lacquer

New Approaches to Japanese Lacquer Conservation
The V&A's Mazarin Chest Conservation Project
The Japan Foundation
10-12 Russell Square, London WC1B 5EH UK
June 14, 2005
6:30 pm

Conservation of the Mazarin Chest, the world's finest surviving
example of Japanese export lacquer from the late 1630s, commenced at
the V&A in April 2005. Work is being carried out using a combination
of western and Japanese techniques informed by extensive art
historical and scientific research. Cleaning of the lacquer, which
is now underway, will be followed by consolidation of the chest's
lavish pictorial decoration. This pioneering three-year project is
being funded by the Getty Foundation, a programme of the J. Paul
Getty Trust, and the Toshiba International Foundation (TIFO).

Papers will be presented by five members of the Mazarin Chest
Conservation Project team. Julia Hutt (V&A Asian Department) will
talk about the Mazarin Chest and its art historical context.
Yoshihiko Yamashita (lacquer conservator, Tokyo) will discuss
traditional Japanese approaches to urushi conservation. Lucia Burgio
(V&A Science Conservation) will present the findings of microscopic
analysis of the layer structure of the Mazarin Chest's surface.
Brenda Kenaghan (V&A Science Conservation) will report on research
into the effects of light-ageing on urushi. Shayne Rivers (V&A
Lacquer Conservation) will end the session by discussing western
approaches to urushi conservation.

The evening will provide a unique opportunity to hear about and
discuss the background, progress and ambitions of this
groundbreaking initiative.

This event is free but booking is essential. To reserve a place,
contact info<-a t->jpf< . >org< . >uk or fax +44 20 7323 4888, giving your name
and those of any guests. Tickets are allocated on a strictly first
come, first served basis.

Shayne Rivers
Senior Furniture Conservator
Victoria and Albert Museum


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:53
                  Distributed: Saturday, May 14, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-18-53-019
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