A major project that began on April 1 to restore and protect the murals of Xumishan Grottoes is moving forward in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
A major project to restore and protect the murals of the Xumishan Grottoes in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region is moving forward since its start on April 1.
"It is the first time these grottoes have undergone a major restoration in the past century," said Wang Xi, director of the management office for the grottoes.
A major project that began on April 1 to restore and protect the murals of Xumishan Grottoes is moving forward in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
The last restoration took place during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Wang said.
"The murals of the Xumishan Grottoes are an art treasure with bright colors and unique artistic techniques," Wang said. "But for both natural and artificial reasons, the frescoes have problems, such as peeling, hollowing and cracking. They need to be repaired urgently."
A major project that began on April 1 to restore and protect the murals of Xumishan Grottoes is moving forward in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Wang is now leading a team of professionals to remove pollutants from surface of the murals and to repair and restore their colors to elevate their artistic value.
"Meanwhile, we hope to record information about the murals in detail and establish a complete repair file to help lay a good foundation for research and dissemination of knowledge."
A major project that began on April 1 to restore and protect the murals of Xumishan Grottoes is moving forward in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
The project, which started on April 1, involves 185.47 square meters of murals in Xumishan's grottoes numbered 1, 48, 50 and 51, Wang said.
Located in Guyuan's Yuanzhou district, the Xumishan Grottoes that have a history of more than 1,500 years and are one of the 10 major ancient grottoes in China.
They are listed as key cultural relics and have been under State protection since 1982.
A major project that began on April 1 to restore and protect the murals of Xumishan Grottoes is moving forward in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
A major project that began on April 1 to restore and protect the murals of Xumishan Grottoes is moving forward in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]