Shuilu'an Temple
The Buddhist temple complex Shuilu'an is located near Lantian, about 50 km south east of Xi´an. The main hall (Shuilu hall), built in the years 1563-1567, contains 1372 painted clay figures and reliefs.
Damage had mainly occured due to the ingress of water. There were voids inside the walls and detached plaster layers. Figures were detached from the walls and many showed fractures and losses. Furthermore, there had been mechanical damage and immense accumulation of dust.
In 2000 the main hall of the Shuilu’an was chosen as a subproject with the Research Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage of Shaanxi Province (at that time Center for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Xi’an). In 2001 and 2002, the first initial investigative procedures were carried out within the German-Chinese research project. From 2007 to 2013 examinations and conservation work have been carried out during annual work stays on-site. Methods for grouting of the voids and separated plaster layers, for stabilising broken clay figures and for consolidating the polychromy were developed, tested and then implemented on selected test areas. Additionally, climate measurements were made. Students from Munich, Xian and Bologna participated in the work.
Materials and technique of the polychromy were studied and analysed in co-operation with Prof. Dr. Maria Perla Colombini, Dr. Ilaria Bonaduce und Dr, Anna Lluveras, Università di Pisa, Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale. Pigments and bindings media could be identified for selected wall sections in the rear part of the Shuilu hall. 14C AMS radio carbon dating gave evidence that figures and reliefs were made in the Ming Dynasty.
Additional to the art technological researches and the conservation, art historical studies were carried out by the Institute for East Asian Art History at the University of Heidelberg.
Siegfried Scheder, Graduate Restorer (2001-2002, 2007)
Dr. Dipl. Restauratorin Catharina Blänsdorf (2007-2012)
Judith Regensburger, Graduate Restorer (2013)
Angelika Borchert (art historical studies 2001)