In the heart of Beijing, nestled within the vast expanse of the National Library of China, an invaluable collection of over fifty meticulously restored ancient books awaits visitors. Part of the esteemed Dunhuang manuscripts, these restored treasures spanning from the 4th to 11th centuries serve as a compelling window into China’s bygone eras. Salvaged from the iconic Mogao Caves over a century ago, the documents breathe life into the vibrant cultures and histories of various Chinese dynasties.
The immense task of nurturing these fragile pieces of history falls to a dedicated team of specialists, led by Hu Bo, head of the Document Restoration Team at the National Library of China. Their workspace, a 600-square-meter workshop, reverberates with the hum of diligent activity as the so-called “book doctors” apply their expertise to invaluable tomes awaiting restoration. For Hu and his team, every successful restoration starts with a comprehensive preparation phase, often outlasting the actual restoration process itself.
The team conducts meticulous inspections of the ancient books, regularly monitoring and recording their pH levels. Hu Bo emphasizes the necessity of this step, as the acidity of the books directly influences the degradation of the fibers. He asserts, “Preserving a neutral pH is an indispensable element in the longevity of the documents.”
With the initial testing complete, the team painstakingly selects the restoration paper, ensuring it mirrors the original manuscript in material, weave, and thickness. The result of this vital step is instrumental in determining the success of the subsequent restoration process. The team then moves on to the intricate task of matching the restoration paper’s color with that of the original document. They utilize pure Phellodendron amurense dye, consistent with the materials found in the Dunhuang manuscripts, a testament to their unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Hou Yuran, a key member of the Document Restoration Team, highlights their goal during the color matching process. “After multiple rounds of dyeing trials, we finally achieve the perfect color,” she says. “We strive for subtle visual differences, which enable identification of restored areas, while ensuring the overall appearance remains cohesive.”
Once the meticulous preparation process concludes, the team embarks on the labor-intensive manual restoration phase. The most common damage found on these precious relics includes severe fractures and abrasions, necessitating a painstaking repair process. The team aligns each character with precision, and each section of the document requires careful pressing and adjustment.
Hu Bo and his dedicated team consider their role in restoring these ancient books an honor. With every book restored to its original state, they appreciate the profound value of their work. “Preserving paper is preserving our civilization,” Hou Yuran echoes Hu’s sentiments, “It’s our responsibility to extend its lifespan and safeguard our cultural heritage.”
Through the diligent work of the National Library of China’s book restoration team, these ancient books are reborn, their narratives preserved for generations to come. Their efforts ensure that the spirit of Chinese civilization continues to thrive, carried forward by the enduring legacy of these restored treasures.
READ MORE: