An item after restoration.

Nhan Dan Online – The Museum of History announced the completion of preservation of 70 collections of precious lacquered and gold-trimmed wooden items dating back to the 18-19 century in Hanoi yesterday.

According to Mr Dinh Van Thin, Deputy Director of the Museum, after 9 months of preservation, several seriously damaged items, including some religious items, have been restored using traditional methods.  

In addition, over 113 other items belonging to 70 sets of items have been repaired and restored to their original shapes. The collection is very important in that it reflects a period of history, while it also serve as a reflection of the skills of Vietnamese artisans during that period of time.

“The restoration is not just to preserve the items, but also the historical stories that go together with the items”. Mr Thin said.

The restoration was conducted with the assistance from the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. The fund last year awarded grants worth US $2.8 million for 87 projects in 76 countries, including the project with the Museum. The funding award was signed between the Museum and the Fund last October.

To date, Vietnam has been the recipients of six such grants.

By Dieu Thuy