The Conservation And Restoration Campaign To Mural Paintings Of Potala Palace

Potala Palace, a world cultural heritage site , is located on the Red Mountain of city Lhasa in Tibet which is more than 3700 meters above the sea. Whatever its constructions or the mural paintings occupy the high values of art, history and science. According to scientific conservation procedures of "China Principles for the conservation of Heritage Sites" severely, we did a systematic conservative research and treatment to paintings. Including the stages of condition investigation, environmental monitoring, analysis of mechanism deterioration, repair materials, technique selecting and conservation implementation. It is the first time that the Principles are applied for the conservation of palace mural paintings. The investigation indicates that the detachment is the main deteriorate on the paintings as well as serious flaking of pigments, which differ from grotto paintings on paint materials, techniques and the features of deterioration. Therefore, our major task is how to treat the detachment and flaking in Lhasa.The result of environmental monitoring showed that external environment impact internal directly. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the environmental data, we are convinced that the internal temperature and humidity of the palace can contribute to the preservation of mural paintings.The analysis of mechanical of deterioration told that the flaking deterioration is related to paint materials and techniques of mural paintings, and detachment mainly associated with building, earthquakes and people's activities.In this paper, combining with previous research achievements, we made use of materials and technics having been applied in the conservation wall-paintings of grottoes. Considering that particularity of paint materials, techniques of mural paintings and deterioration of palace, we made the specific on-the-spot test base on the selecting of repair materials and techniques for treating detachment and .Such materials and techniques used obtained a satisfied result during implementation. At the same times, it also provides experience for the conservation and restoration of paintings of the same kind in Tibet for reference.