2018 Volume 18 Issue 10 Pages 491-498
When conserving or restoring historical materials, above all one must try to not overdo it, limiting oneself to the minimum measures necessary. The fundamental approach to conserving cultural assets in Japan is to maintain their current state so that their appearance does not change. When restoring and conserving old items using materials that we have today, it is best to use traditional techniques as much as possible while actively considering whether to combine them with convenient tools and technologies in order to make one’s work more efficient. However, when using new materials or chemicals, one must carefully judge from a long-term perspective whether they will have a negative influence on the items. Furthermore, when the number of restoration and conservation method options increase, there is a need to make clear the criteria for judging which items will be worked on using which techniques. Answers do not exist in advance regarding which items to prioritize and the techniques to use. When restoration and conservation is complete, records serve as important assets, which provide important background information to later generations.
