Painstaking restoration of ancient murals depicting mythical animals in the Kitora Tomb located in the Japanese village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, is finally complete, 12 years after they were meticulously removed to undergo the work in 2004.
[Credit: Agency for Cultural Affairs]
The two sections of the stone burial chamber’s richly coloured wall paintings, “Seiryu,” known as the “Azure Dragon,” and “Genbu,” the “Black Tortoise,” had badly deteriorated over the centuries.
The restoration was undertaken in a temporary facility here, and the priceless works were then transferred to a special preservation area of the "Kitora-Kofun Hekiga Taikenkan--Shijin no Yakata" (Museum to experience murals of Kitora Tomb—House of four symbols) on Dec. 7.
Other murals, including one depicting a tiger-headed man, one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, were also moved to the building. The series of restoration works on the tomb is now almost complete.
The Kitora Tomb is designated as a special historic site by the government, and is believed to have been constructed in the late seventh century to early eighth century.
“Seiryu” and “Genbu” will go on public display in 2017, according to the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Source: The Asahi Shimbun [December 08, 2016]