Important Cultural Property Research Articles

The Revival of Folksongs in South Korea: The Case of "Tondollari"

Since the 1960s, activities on the South Korean traditional music scene have been increasingly geared to reaching the same objectives. While singing folksongs has generally become an unpopular form of entertainment, those now actively performing them take their art very seriously. They all hope to increase the status and recognition of their art, and many, particularly the male performers, wish to ensure a proper income. The success of some individuals and groups has given them a status that personified their tradition and enables them to reinterpret their art more freely. The A. examines the activities of the Pukch'ong Society that has successfully revived the tradition of the folksong Tondollari by choosing the right stages, propagating anti-Japanese sentiments, and learning from the success of two Kanggangsullae groups that were both appointed Important Intangible Cultural Properties (no. 8) in 1966.

Developments in paper conservation in Japan

Summary The author describes the co-existence of traditional and modem methods of conservation and preservation in Japan. The application of two very different approaches, traditional restoration and mounting and modem conservation and preservation, is shown to be related to the type of material to be treated. Paintings and documents officially designated ‘important cultural property’ are treated by conservators in studios themselves designated as holders of traditional restoration and conservation techniques. Library and archive materials benefit mainly from preventive and mass-treatment measures. Many works of art from small collections are still treated in traditional mounting studios. The development of a new and active type of studio and conservator is described and the process of cross-fertilization between new and old traditions is shown to be beneficial to both.

狂言における基本的動作と呼吸パターンの関係 : 大蔵流山本家を事例として

A study was performed to clarify the relationship between basic movements and respiration patterrn in Kyogen, a Japanese traditional performing art. The subjects were three professional Kyogen actors (Oukura-ryu, Yamamoto-ke), with performing careers of 10, 19 and 53 years, respectively. The latter subject had been designated an important intangible cultural property. The subjects were asked to perform four typical Shosa (kata) at three speeds and three Komai-a chain of dance movements. We recorded the respiration curve using a rubber strain gauge placed on the actor's thorax, and observed the relationship between movements and respiration phase, cycle, and ratio of inspiration time to expiration time. The results were as follows:Shosa (kata)Subj.10-year career : Regardless of movement speed, the respiration phases were harmonized, which is a typical feature of sports performance.Subj.53-year carrer : In all shosa, the respiration phases were independent of movements. However the respiration cycle and the ratio of inspiration time to expiration time were proportional to the speed of movement. Subj.19-year career : The subject showed features intermediate between those of the subjects with 10- and 53-year careers. Komai Subjs.with 19-and 53-year careers : The respiration curve was independent of movement, and appeared similar to that during the singing of "Utai" music by Jiutai actors. It was found that the the respiration curves between basic movements and the respiration pattern in Kyogen gradually changed from harmonization to separation, according to the actor's skill. However, during performance of "Utai", the respiration pattern was harmonized with the "Utali" melody.

Ecological Role of Micro-Organisms on Surface Deterioration of Cross River Basalt Monoliths in Nigeria.

Biological growth on the surface of basalt rock monoliths by a wide variety of microorganisms including bacteria, (fungi and algae), lichens, mosses and liverworts were studied. Microscopic identification, quantification and an ecological classification of the micro-organisms on two different sites were made to aid the study of their implication in crack and pitting observed on monoliths surface. The result of this study reveal significant differences and some similarities in growth between the chosen sites and the existence of some of the micro-organisms family species in Japan. A complex biotic chemical weathering on the surface of the monoliths was distinguished. Over 450 of the cylindrical monoliths are affected. The communities in this region regard the monolith to represent their ancestors. The monoliths are monuments protected as important cultural property of national interest.

Reconstructing the Oldest Western-Style Building in Kobe

In 1868, a foreign concession was established in Kobe after the opening of the port. The Jugobankan named for its district in Kobe, was built in 1879 and housed the American Consulate until 1890. In 1989 the Japanese government designated the Jugobankan an Important Cultural Property, being the only surviving building of the old foreign concession era and the oldest western-style building in Kobe. The main structural elements of the original Jugobankan were wooden frames, with bricks placed between columns. After the earthquake, it was decided to reconstruct the building using many of the original members as possible by collecting them from the site of the collapsed building.

A case study of flood control schemes for the Kakehashi river and their socio-cultural consequences

SUMMARY This paper is concerned with a twenty-five year campaign against the relocation of the Komatsu-Tenmangu shrine as a result of the enlargement of the Kakehashi river. The Komatsu-Tenmangu shrine is an important cultural property of Japan, and was constructed by Toshitsune Maeda, the third dynasty of the Kaga clan in 1657. It is suggested that the primary reason why it took so long to settle this issue is a flaw in our social system for managing public works. It is concluded that preservation of cultural property is not always contrary to land development, and that the proposed procedures or something like them must be put into practice for the real expansion of our culture.

Field Measurements of Winds on Atmospheric Corrosion for Important Cultural properties

Field measurements of winds on atmospheric corrosion for two important cultural properties were carried out.First, observations of a Buddhist statue were made. In the area where the statue is located, winds blow from the south or north most frequently. On rainy days, winds blow mostly from the north and during strong winds, winds are in most eases from the south. Due to this, it was presumed that northerly winds would cause pollutants and that southerly winds would bring salt particles from the sea to the Buddhist statue.Second, observations were made of a shrine as another important cultural property. Metallic parts of the shrine building corrode due to damage from salt. Although an analysis which is directly related to atmospheric corrosion has yet to he carried out, it was found that strong winds blow mainly from the sea in this area. Furthermore, the wind direction characteristics caused by the topographic features along the Sea of Japan in Shimane Prefecture were investigated by carrying out analyses of winds which include data obtained at several meteorological offices.

ニコライ堂建設に使用された70〜100年前のモルタルの調合・組成分析調査結果報告

The Holly Resurrection Cathedral (Nikorai do), a designated important cultural property, is over 100 years old. Repairs and restorative construction were made following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 but 70 years have passed with no further extensive maintenance. After surveying the weathering of Cathedral, repair work to preserve the cultural property is under way. Results of physical investigation and chemical analysis of nine 70 to 100 year old mortar samples to determine mix proportion, material composition and condition of deterioration are presented in this report.

A study on seismic performance of traditional wooden houses, which are important cultural properties, by micro tremor test

A study on seismic performance of traditional wooden houses, which are important cultural properties, by micro tremor test

Protection of Cultural Property

powers have for one reason or another become party to this Convention, but we seriously doubt that they would in fact be ready to live up to it in all circumstances. For our part, the United States Government has, by its actions, shown itself ready to take all possible measures to provide protection to important cultural property. We have often expressed our concern for the preservation of important cultural property situated in areas of armed conflict. Our military instructions are clear in this regard, and the Department of State has used appropriate diplomatic channels to seek to influence others to take similar care that important cultural property be preserved. We have also supported the efforts of UNESCO in this area under the provisions of Article 23 of the 1954 Hague Convention.

The Influences of Air Pollution on Some Cultural Assets. I. : On the Air-Pollutional Measurement by the Filter Parer Method and the Influence of Air Pollution on Metallic Luster

Concentration of sulfur oxides and nitrogen dioxide in atmosphere was measured by alkaline filter paper method in summer (June 1968) and winter (January 1969) at 100 places in Kyoto, including the grounds of shrines and temples in which the designated Important Cultural Properties were placed. A rather higher concentration of both sulfur oxides and nitorogen dioxide was generally observed in winter than in summer. Further effect of these air-pollutants on metallic luster of these Properties was investigated, and the rate or decrease in metallic luster was about 10% lower on the average in winter than in summer. Although it was supposed that the weather conditions might be largely responsible in decreasing the metallic luster, correlation between the concentration of sulfur oxides and the rate of decrease in metallic luster was observed generally in both summer and winter (correlation coefficient found, 0.458 in summer, 0.416 in winter). There was no correlation between the concentration of nitrogen dioxide and decrease in the luster of metals (correlation coefficient found, 0.180 in smmer, 0.138 in winter).