Research into the traditional use of colors and the restoration of polychrome works of old sculptures

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25580038
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Art at large
• Research Institution: Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
• Principal Investigator: Naka Yujiro 東京藝術大学, 大学院美術研究科, 講師 (00466997)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): YABUUTI SATOSHI 東京藝術大学, 大学院美術研究科, 教授 (10376931) ; NAMIKI Hidetoshi 東京藝術大学, 学内共同利用施設, 講師 (00535461)
• Research Collaborator: IRIE KEI
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 古典彩色技法 / 天平時代の彩色遺品 / 当初像容の視覚化 / 学際的な研究モデル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In Japan countless precious polychrome works of art, including the treasures of Shosoin, the treasure house of Todaiji Temple in Nara, have been handed down from generation to generation for more than a thousand years, and the elucidation of the techniques and the materials used for those works has continuously been sought. On the basis of information and knowledge obtained from our detailed research into the colorings of sculptures mainly, we empirically presumed the possible materials and collected them and promoted our study considering methods for developing colors and for process of colorings of the polychrome works. We then empirically promoted our study actually experiencing for ourselves the old techniques to restore the works to their original state. The process of our study allowed us to have active interactions with many people in other fields, which enhanced the authenticity of our study and finally it has become an interdisciplinary model.

Free Research Field

日本古典彩色技法