A Qing dynasty lacquer panel inlaid with jade and agate, depicting Taoist deities in a misty landscape, is one of thousands of artefacts being meticulously restored after years in storage. This intricate restoration project is part of a broader effort to preserve China’s imperial treasures, with the ultimate goal of showcasing these masterpieces to the world. According to Sun Ou, a specialist in restoring inlaid lacquer works at Beijing’s Forbidden City, the condition of the lacquer panel was dire. The bottom layer had weakened and crumbled, leaving over 100 pieces detached and requiring careful reinforcement to bring the artwork back to life.
This restoration surge reflects a broader initiative over the past decade to preserve China’s rich cultural heritage, supported by efforts to elevate the country’s cultural influence on the global stage. The Palace Museum, situated within the Forbidden City, is at the heart of this mission. As the museum celebrates its 100th anniversary, it is preparing to unveil a new branch in Beijing later this year. This modern venue will significantly increase exhibition capacity, potentially doubling or tripling the number of displayed artefacts. A branch of the museum also opened in Hong Kong in 2022, featuring around 900 historic pieces.
Established in 1925 by the Republic of China government following the eviction of the last emperor, Pu Yi, and his household, the Palace Museum has faced numerous challenges in preserving its vast collection. Over the decades, its treasures faced threats from theft, damage, and destruction, particularly during World War II, the Chinese Civil War, and the Cultural Revolution.
In the 1930s, as Japanese forces advanced through China, many artefacts, including imperial thrones, were transported out of Beijing for safekeeping. Later, in 1949, after Mao Zedong’s communist forces triumphed, Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan, taking thousands of crates of imperial relics. These artefacts now reside in Taiwan’s National Palace Museum in Taipei, which houses over 690,000 items—more than 80% originating from the former Qing imperial collection. According to the Taipei museum, these treasures are considered the property of Taiwan’s government.
Today, China’s restoration efforts aim not only to preserve these historical masterpieces but also to reaffirm their cultural significance for future generations.
READ MORE: