The East Asian Painting Conservation Studio is one of the few laboratories in the country devoted to the conservation of East Asian paintings by traditional methods. Four, permanent conservator positions form the core staff of the studio. Two additional positions include a temporary position for an assistant to the conservator of Chinese paintings and an apprentice in Japanese painting conservation. Besides the care of the Freer and Sackler collections of East Asian paintings and calligraphy, the studio conducts the Hirayama program, the Chinese Painting Conservation Program, and a collaborative conservation program with the Cleveland Museum of
Art.
Hirayama Program
Supported by a generous endowment established by Ikuo Hirayama, the primary goal of the Hirayama program is the advancement of the study and preservation of Japanese paintings in American collections. This goal is served by the following activities:
- The training of personnel in the conservation of Japanese paintings;
- The training of personnel in American museums who are non-specialists, but have as their responsibility the care of Japanese paintings;
- Exchange programs with institutions in Japan involved with the study and conservation of Japanese paintings.
For further information please email dcsr@si.edu or call +1 (202) 633-0364.
Chinese Painting Conservation Program
The support of the Christensen Fund has made possible a two-year program in Chinese painting conservation. In addition to providing for an assistant to the Conservator of Chinese paintings, the program also includes support for materials, research, and an internship in Chinese painting conservation. The program was begun in 2000 with the support of the Henry Luce Foundation. For further information please email dcsr@si.edu or call +1 (202) 633-0364.
Collaborative Conservation Program with the Cleveland Museum of Art
A program of collaboration in the field of East Asian Painting Conservation was begun between the Freer and Sackler Galleries and the Cleveland Museum of Art in January 2004. The program entails the Conservator for East Asian paintings of the Cleveland Museum working in the East Asian Painting Conservation Studio, with the conservators of both museums working together on paintings from both collections. The program was created as a way to better share expertise between the two institutions and to contribute to the advancement of East Asian painting conservation in the United States.
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