The Vespiary Book Binding & Book Conservation

All eyes have been pointed towards China in the recent weeks because of the Olympics; mine are no exception. A recent article in the China Daily caught my eye, and it’s worth passing your way. A devoted group of conservation professionals have dedicated themselves over the last 18 years to restoring numerous ancient texts in danger of crumbling away into dust, including the Dunhuang Scrolls from the Mogao Grottoes (aka Caves of the Thousand Buddhas). Several of the conservators has wonderful things to say about the polymathery of the field:

…restoring ancient texts is far more than just patching and mending. “It takes learning in many fields for someone to succeed in this career,” said Zhang Ping, 55, former head of the restoration center.

For example, a master in ancient text restoration must be a connoisseur of paper and fabrics to know what materials to use for repairs. A restorer should also have the expertise to recognize when a book was published from its edition and printing style, Zhang explained.

When the pages of a book are loose or damaged, a restorer must be able to read ancient Chinese well to sort them out in sequence. When the pictures are damaged or indistinct, it helps if he or she knows how to paint to add strokes and colors where they are needed, Zhang said.

“We treat ancient works like doctors their patients. We need to diagnose before deciding on what steps to take. Many classics are the sole copies extant. An error could cause an irrevocable loss. The longer I work in this profession, the more I feel like I am skating on thin ice,” said Zhang, who joined the library some 20 years ago as a carpenter.

IDP Conservation also has a nice little blurb about the work there.

Also in the news today (a different kind of preservation): an important shrine in Japan gets some much needed restoration.