Developments in paper conservation in Japan

Summary The author describes the co-existence of traditional and modem methods of conservation and preservation in Japan. The application of two very different approaches, traditional restoration and mounting and modem conservation and preservation, is shown to be related to the type of material to be treated. Paintings and documents officially designated ‘important cultural property’ are treated by conservators in studios themselves designated as holders of traditional restoration and conservation techniques. Library and archive materials benefit mainly from preventive and mass-treatment measures. Many works of art from small collections are still treated in traditional mounting studios. The development of a new and active type of studio and conservator is described and the process of cross-fertilization between new and old traditions is shown to be beneficial to both.