Conservation of rock-cliff sculptures in japan

Abstract

Factor Damage 1 JNTRODUCTION Compared with western countries and even other Asian countries, we do not have very many stone monuments in Japan. However, rock-cliff sculptures (Buddhas) are stone monuments unique to Japan (Fig. 1). They were carved directly on cliffs of which the rocks are porous, fragile and damp (they are quite often argillaceous to some extent). So the preservation and restoration of these sculptures is very difficult and one of the biggest problems at present in the conservation of cultural property in Japan. Here, the current circumstances of the conservation work on rock-cliff sculptures are presented for discussion and suggestions. Mechanical: Landslide Ground movement Abrasion by wind and rain