Art Conservation Symposium: “Art Unfolded — Japan’s Gift of Conservation”

The Japanese passionately care about their works of art, even those that are no longer in Japan. In 2007, Hie Sann Sairei-Zu, two six-paneled screens, left the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and went to the Kyushu National Museum for extensive restoration. During today’s Art Conservation Symposium: “Art Unfolded — Japan’s Gift of Conservation,” the screens will be returned to the MFAH and members of Japan’s Association for Conservation of National Treasures will discuss how they brought the screens back to their former glory. Takahiro Nakamura, a conservator for the ACNT, presents an overview of the 1,500 hours spent restoring the screens, while Tomoko Emura, a researcher of Japanese art history, explains how the screens are representative of art from the Edo period (1603 to 1868). If you like Japanese culture, are interested in art conservation or just want to see what a little international cooperation can accomplish, you’ll enjoy the symposium. Meet the speakers during a reception that immediately follows their presentations. 6:30 p.m. 1001 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-639-7300 or visit www.mfah.org. Free.

Mon., Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m., 2009