A new generation of conservator-restorers at the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan City, southwest China, is combining traditional techniques with advanced technology to safeguard 1,500 invaluable artifacts excavated from the ancient sacrificial sites discovered there 40 years ago.
The artifacts belong to the ancient Shu Civilization, which dates back to 1300–1100 BC.
The new generation team of conservator-restorers averages 36 years old. Among them is Yang Ping, who joined the museum right after college. His work includes cleaning, form correction, filling, color-matching, and antique finishing -- a meticulous process that helps preserve the relics for future generations.
"When I just began to work, since I didn't have a relatively in-depth knowledge, I didn't pay enough respect for the relics. However, the longer I've been doing this job, the more reverence I have for them. Cultural relics are irreplaceable and unique. When I restore them, I need to show my professionalism, as the history and heritage they carry should be passed on rather than be damaged," said Yang.
As China increases its investment in cultural relic restoration, along with the advancements in science and technology, a new generation of conservator-restorers like Yang not only inherits the traditional restoration techniques from their predecessors, but also utilizes high-tech methods to carry out conservation work.
"Our team has a good age distribution, ranging from those born in the 1980s, 1990s to 2000s. My greatest hope right now is to work with my colleagues to pass on the skills of the older generation conservators and integrate with modern high technology, so as to protect the treasure of Sanxingdui together," Yang noted.
Young restorers combine tradition with high-tech to protect Sanxingdui treasures
