Seventy thousand books on preservation and restoration techniques. Can you even fathom such a vast repository of knowledge? This is just a fraction of what the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, or Tobunken as it is commonly known, holds within its walls.
Tobunken is not just another institution. It is one of Japan’s two National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. These institutes play a vital role in preserving Japan’s rich cultural legacy. The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties stands as a guardian of history and art. It is dedicated to the preservation and utilization of cultural properties.
Originally, it began as the Art Research Institute in 1930. Kuroda Seiki, a former president of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, provided the initial endowment. His vision shaped the institute’s early focus. In 1952, the institute evolved. It became the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties. Departments for Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Conservation Sciences, and General Affairs were established. The institute expanded its scope over the years. A department of Restoration Techniques was added in 1973. An archive was set up in 1977. International cooperation became a priority in 1993. This led to the Japan Center for International Exchange in Conservation.
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties also fosters academic growth. Since 1995, it has offered a graduate course in collaboration with Tokyo University of the Arts. This partnership ensures that future generations are equipped to protect cultural treasures.
The library at the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties is a treasure. It holds a vast collection of books and materials. Ninety thousand books on fine arts are housed here. Eighty-seven thousand periodicals on fine art are available. Thirteen thousand books cover the performing arts. The library also boasts 260,000 photographs.
The Kuroda Memorial Hall is another gem within Tobunken. It acts as an art museum. The Hall was the original site of the Art Research Institute. Kuroda Seiki’s donation in 1924 made this possible. The hall displays works of art donated by Kuroda’s family. The collection includes 126 oil paintings and 170 drawings.
Tobunken plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness. It cooperates with the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management Center. This center is a core hub for East Japan. They are actively developing facilities. These facilities are necessary to restore damaged cultural properties. The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties also researches conservation methods. These methods incorporate preventative and disaster mitigation perspectives. This includes intangible cultural heritage.
So as you stand before the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties remember its mission. This is an unparalleled institute dedicated to cultural heritage. It is working tirelessly to ensure that these treasures endure for generations to come.