Our Work：Kitaoka Gihodo

Delicate, refined work typical of the Kyoto hyogu tradition

Restoration
Remounting
New mounting
Other

Restoration

The process of restoration carries the risk of losing the inherent flavor or beauty of the artwork, depending on its current state and how it was originally produced. We carry out such work with the utmost care, first carefully listening to client wishes and then proceeding only after carefully studying appropriate methodologies. The first priority is always protection of the artwork.

Stain removal（washing）

Removal of mold growing on the surface or other stains on the work. Stain removal methods depend on the type and origin, with experience helping to determine the best option.

ExampleⅠ（Chikkyo Ono painting）

Before stain removal

After stain removal

ExampleⅡ（Chikkyo Ono painting）

Before stain removal

After stain removal

↑Back to top

Soot removal

Older works can be covered with black, red, or brown layers of soot through long exposure to smoke. We take period color into account when restoring these works in order to maintain their character.

↑Back to top

Repairing insect damage

We repair damage caused when wood ticks beetles and other insects eat away materials by filling in bore holes with identical materials. If the material is silk, we use fabric with the same finish and strength, and with paper we use a sample with the same thickness and texture. Differences in thickness between repaired portions and the rest of the work can result in creases, so we ensure that all transitions are smooth. If necessary, we tone the new materials to match the original.

Before restoration

After restoration

(photos show the back side of the calligraphy during the repair process)

↑Back to top

Repairing creases

Creases are a source of wear and tear that can fatally damage a work of art. We prevent such damage ahead of time using fine strips of washi paper to strengthen these areas in a traditional technique called ore-fuse.

Before restoration

After restoration

↑Back to top

In-painting（preventing pigment deterioration）

In-painting

In-painting is performed to hide repaired areas. Adhesive agents may be applied if there is danger of paint flaking away from aged paper.

Before restoration

After restoration

↑Back to top

Remounting

A work can be completely refurbished if the current mounting is extremely damaged or if it does not show off the original artwork to its best advantage. This completely rejuvenates the work, from backing to mounting and scroll fabric. We consult with clients to bring a piece of art back to life again with texture and quality that only Kyoto hyogu can provide.

Before renovation

After renovation

↑Back to top

New mounting（framing and mounting）

Hideyoshi Kitaoka can also take an unmounted piece of calligraphy or painting and use his unparalleled experience and technical skill to transform it into ascroll-mounted or framed piece of art that will live in your collection and provide aesthetic enjoiment for years to come.

Main process in creating a new scroll

Choosing fabric

Backing

Putting together

Over backing

The traditional mounting process has eight styles, but Hideyoshi kitaoka is also capable to using alternate techniques to create a mounting that best fits your individual piece.