Restoration of Qing Dynasty Artefacts: A Cultural Revival

Restoration of Qing Dynasty Artefacts: A Cultural Revival

Preserving Ancient Treasures

A Qing dynasty lacquer panel inlaid with jade and agate is among thousands of artefacts undergoing restoration in China. These artefacts, long stored in museum vaults, are now being carefully repaired for potential future display.

Intricate Restoration Work

“The bottom layer had shifted and loosened to the point where it was in a pulverised state,” explained Sun Ou, a specialist in restoring inlaid lacquer artworks at the Forbidden City in Beijing. Over 100 pieces had detached and required reinforcement. Sun and her team work meticulously at the Palace Museum’s cultural protection and restoration department.

A National Effort in Cultural Preservation

Over the past decade, China has intensified its efforts to restore and showcase imperial treasures. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of preserving cultural heritage and projecting national pride on the global stage.

The Palace Museum’s Expanding Role

As the Palace Museum marks its 100th anniversary, it prepares to launch a new Beijing branch in a state-of-the-art venue. The expansion aims to significantly increase the number of artefacts on display. Currently, only 10,000 of the nearly 2 million pieces in the museum’s collection are showcased at any given time. A Hong Kong branch, which opened in 2022, houses around 900 artefacts.

A Turbulent History of the Collection

The Palace Museum was established in 1925 after the last emperor, Pu Yi, was evicted from the Forbidden City. Over the decades, the collection faced numerous threats, including theft, war, and political upheavals.

Safeguarding Artefacts Through Conflict

In the 1930s, as Japanese forces advanced, authorities relocated many treasures—including imperial thrones—to other cities for protection. Later, during the Chinese Civil War, Chiang Kai-shek’s Republic of China government transported thousands of crates of relics to Taiwan when his Nationalist forces retreated. These artefacts are now housed in Taiwan’s National Palace Museum.

Two Museums, One Shared Heritage

Today, Taiwan’s National Palace Museum holds over 690,000 items, with more than 80% originating from the former Qing court. While the Taiwanese government claims ownership of these artefacts, they remain a key part of the shared cultural history between Taiwan and mainland China.

“Restoration of Qing Dynasty Artefacts: A Cultural Revival” “Restoration of Qing Dynasty Artefacts: A Cultural Revival” “Restoration of Qing Dynasty Artefacts: A Cultural Revival”