Original Intent:The Aesthetics of Condition

MICHENER GALLERY NOV 21 – JAN 21, 2007

Before conservation.	After conservation.
Style of Torii Kiyomasu II (mid 1720s–early 1760s) Sotoba Komachi (Komachi Among the Tombs) Japan, Edo period, early 1730s Hand-colored woodblock print 13.0 x 21.5 cm HAA Print Fund, 1935, (10374)

Since 1992 the Robert F. Lange Foundation has generously supported the conservation of the Academy’s exceptional Japanese woodblock print collection. In honor of the Foundation’s dedication to the protection and preservation of woodblock prints, an annual exhibition showcasing print conservation issues is held in the James A. Michener Gallery. The 2006 conservation-themed print exhibition, titled Original Intent: The Aesthetics of Condition, will be on display from November 21 to January 21, 2007.

In 2005 the exhibition titled Into the Light: Exploring the Palette in Ukiyo-e Prints introduced some of the challenges present in preserving the colors within these delicate works of art. This year’s exhibition, Original Intent, will continue to focus on issues related to Into the Light’s themes of color, condition and conservation.

Since the late seventeenth century, color has been an important element of Japanese woodblock prints. However, many of the early pigments are inherently unstable and can change in hue or value when exposed to light, air, and moisture. This is especially problematic in regards to the aesthetics of imagery that depend on the interplay of color. Safe and effective conservation treatment often relies on the identification of colorants, but Japanese print media can prove challenging to the conservator.

Carefully considered conservation can dramatically improve visually and structurally compromised prints. However, it is not always possible to conserve prints safely. Aesthetic considerations regarding the integrity of the colorants, surface treatments, and inherently fragile media such as mica can restrict treatment options.

Original Intent will highlight works by Okumura Masanobu (1686–1764) and other early printmakers. Their prints profoundly influenced the development of full-color printing in the Edo period (1615–1868) and exemplify a full range of printing techniques and the use of new media. This exhibition will illustrate typical issues in the conservation of prints that have unstable media, fugitive color, poor quality backing, previous treatment, and inappropriate cosmetic repair. By looking at the creative contributions of some of the major ukiyo-e artists we can gain a better understanding of the range of complexities presented to the conservator of Japanese woodblock prints.