MISSIONARY ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Bodhisattva Guanyin

Restored thanks to the generosity of the Illinois Chapter

The Bodhisattva Guanyin of the Ethnological Museum can be traced back to the XVIII Century, during the Qianlong (1736-1796) period and was finally acquired by the Vatican Museums Collection in 1935. It is made from colour treated wood and sculpted to be in a standing position. The figure is dressed in the traditional clothes of the Bodhisattva, and her hair is combed and decorated with a lotus flower, which symbolizes purity. The Guanyin holds a small Buddha (Amithaba) in her right hand. The Guanyin consists of eleven different elements which were assembled together through the use of pins and nails. The entire surface of this wooden sculpture is covered in a double layer of colour: the first is an overall base of white calcite, and the second is the final colourful painting with tempera. The overall condition of this sculpture before the restoration exhibited several fissures on the wooden surface which were threatening the cohesion of the different elements. Due to this some of the small pieces were unfortunately lost, these included: the small pieces of the flower on the ground, portions of the right foot and a few of the fingers of the right hand. In varying sections the colours peeled off the surface and several touches up were executed over the fissures. The restoration process consisted first in an anoxic treatment, which lasted for 25 days, followed by photographic documentation and scientific analysis. The superficial layer of dust was completely removed through the use of soft brushwork, and the chemical cleaning was completed by using Japanese Paper with a combination of 50/50, alcohol and water. The base was reinforced and the layer of coloured tempera was fixed to the surface with acrylic resin acetone. The filling of the fissure was completed with rabbit glue and Bologna chalk. The final step consisted in the touch up of the colours, which was done with Windsor & Newton Watercolours in order to guarantee a reversible restoration.

Japanese armor Kon Kebiki Odoshi Do-Maruo Yoroi Mukashi-Gusoku

Restored thanks to the generosity of of Mr. Wingley from Texas

This wonderful Japanese armor Kon Kebiki Odoshi Do-Maruo Yoroi Mukashi-Gusoku is an excellent reproduction of a set of armor from the XII – XIII century. Reproductions like this one are very rare and few examples of this type of armor exist in the world. Two of them (inv. no. 206-207) are located in the Vatican Museums and were donated to Pope Pius XI (1922-1939) in 1925 for the Universal Exhibition. These sets of armor were manufactured using ancient Japanese techniques (3000-4000 years old). This is clearly seen by the high quality of the materials and the meticulous attention to the smallest detail. The equipment is composed by eight different parts: helmet, neck sabre, war mask, corset, armlet, cuisses, shin-guards, shoes, and shoulder-plates. All these pieces were highly affected by iron oxidation, erosion and spots. The fabrics were ruined and stained. The leather was dehydrated and the wooden elements, split. The first step of the restoration focused on pesticide treatment. All the elements were placed in transparent pillow-shaped bags that were inflated with ozone, and deprived of oxygen. This treatment allowed the restorers to get rid of all the insects. Afterwards, the restorers removed the oxidation and corrosion from the armor using chemical treatments or by sanding the surface lightly. The fabric was separated and dry cleaned. Eventually, the wooden parts were also removed and consolidated. Stitching was redone where necessary and the various points of attaching different materials together was fortified individually. The restoration was completed with photographic documentation and summary.

Primary Intervention on the Preservation of 13 Seventeenth Century KAKEMONOS donated by the Japan Diocese of Osaka to the Missionary Ethnological Museum in the Vaticaan (13 magnificent processional banners) 13 Seventeenth Century KAKEMONOS : Conservative restoration completed in July 2005.

Restored thanks to the generosity of Illinois Patrons of the Arts

TWO BRONZE MIRRORS FROM THE TANG EPOCH

Restored thanks to the generosity of the Portugal Chapter

These two mirrors are made of bronze before the epoch when mirrors were made of glass. They have reliefs on the back worked in rosewood.  These mirrors are believed to be a wedding gift.  They were donated by the Russian prince, Dolgorukoff, to Pope Pius XII in 1934, who then placed them in the Missionary Ethnological Museum.