After completing the restoration of Chen Chin's "Accordion" in 2009, Taipei Fine Arts Museum began the restoration of "Leisurely" shortly after in 2010. After taking off the original frame, hidden parts were discovered on the silk that had been folded in the back. Chen's "Leisurely" has more details extending to the edges than what we are familiar with. After careful discussions among Chen's family members, conservator, expert scholars and the staff at the museum, a consensus is reached that the long hidden details shall be revealed. After a year of research and restoration, the painting is now 16 centimeters longer and 8.2 centimeters wider than the original. The extensions to the patterns of the veils to the sides of the bed, the intricate and colored tassels across the edge at the top, the carved patterns along the edges of the bed are now visible. Also, the shape and the colors of the small pot placed beside the bed in the lower right corner can now be seen; originally, only the mouth of the pot is visible in the painting.

The recovered and restored details of "Leisurely" are listed in the following paragraphs:

1. Silk Patching: The newly discovered details had been folded under the frame for years. The original piece of silk had also been cut to fit the fame. As a result, the edges of the painting were irregular. Therefore, in order to carry on restoration, it was necessary to patch the silk with fabrics similar to the original.
2. Retouching: colors were re-adhered at parts where flaking had occurred. Closely basing on the original, same gouache colors, techniques similar to the era, were used to retouch the painting. However, the hidden parts where the silk had been folded and glued to the frame, which had been hardened and discolored, were left as it was. No chemicals were used to forcefully clean the painting in order to avoid harming the layers of paints. When new materials or techniques are developed in the future, this part of the restoration will then be carried out.
3. New Framing: In order to keep the edges of painting visible, an inner frame was used to cover the restored painting; a 0.5 cm thick acrylic board imported from Japan was used as a layer of lining in order to protect the painting. Finally, an outer frame was attached to the painting. Taking into the consideration of transportation, as well as safety when displayed, all materials and both frames are made of lightweight materials.
4. Backboard: Japanese traditional six-layered back lining was used to separate the painting and the backboard. The 0.5 cm acrylic board is at the front, and a 0.5 cm hollow board is used at the back. The hollow board allows air convection to preserve the painting for a longer period, and prevent the painting from deformation.

"Leisurely" has often been featured at exhibitions; many times has it been used as a teaching material and a topic of research. In 2003, Taipei Fine Arts Museum worked with Chunghwa Post Co. to issue an NT$10 postage stamp. This painting is highly recognized and the image has already imprinted in the hearts of people. In order for the audiences and researchers to further explore this painting from 1935, Taipei Fine Arts Museum has collaborated with Professor James Shyu at Graduate School of Information Communication, Chinese Culture University, to produce a 1:1 replica of the painting by using image reproduction technology. The replica is framed with the original frame in an attempt to be visually truthful to the original in both colors and texture. At the same time, the elements and the frame of the original "Leisurely" are preserved.

Art restoration is an interdisciplinary task; it is a professional skill. At the same time, it is also an important job that integrates both literature review and scientific testing, and pays tribute to history. The purpose of restoration is not only about finding out the original painting; it is also about taking proper care of the artworks so that their beauty can be appreciated, and the life and value of arts can be prolonged. The restoration project of Chen Chin's "Leisurely" was conducted under these principles.

After a year of research, restoration, framing, and printing, "Leisurely" will be reintroduced to the public with a brand new appearance. During the process of restoration and the interdisciplinary collaboration, more intriguing details of this painting have been discovered; these newly found details will further elevate the paintings prestigious status.

Collection

Leisurely (1935)
CHEN Chin(1907-1998)
152 x 169.2 cm, Gouache on Silk