ACNT | The Association for Conservation of National Treasures

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History

1959   Representatives of seven workshops (one in Tokyo, five in Kyoto, and one in Osaka) that specialize in restoration of the National Treasures at that time got together and established the ACNT to improve their restoration techniques, as well as to start associated business
1960   Granted with the Organization Award from the National Commission for Protection of Cultural Properties
1967   Participated in "Repairing and Conserving Painting of the East Asia" co-hosted by the UNESCO and the International Council of Museums (ICOM)
Translated H.J. Plenderleith, "The Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art-Treatment, Repair, and Restoration" (1956)
1972   Started co-development of electron-beam deteriorated silk for repairing silk-book cultural properties together with the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties and the Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute in the Japan Atomic Energy Agency
1990   Started cooperation for "Conservation and Restoration of Japanese Antiques in Foreign Countries" with the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, and the Foundation for Cultural Heritage and Art Research
1995   Received designation of the Selected Conservation Technique Conserving Organization by the Agency for Cultural Affairs
Granted with the Special Awards from the Japan Foundation
Hosted the international symposium "Techniques for Conserving, Repairing and Restoring Japanese Arts" in Nara (The regular training workshops have been held every year since the next year)
2000   Granted with the Organization Award from the Minister of Education (The 50th anniversary of the Laws for Protection of Cultural Property)
2003   Started operation of the restorer registration system and restorer certification system
2004   Hosted the international symposium "International Symposium on the Present and the Future of Oriental Cultural Property Conservation" in Kyoto
2005   Incorporated into and founded Limited Liability Intermediate Corporation
Established the Kyushu Branch taking advantage of the opportunity of the establishment of the cultural property conservation and restoration facility in Kyushu National Museum
2006   Started providing technical assistance in the British Museum, England
Hosted "The First International Symposium on Paper Conservation in East Asia" in Beijing, China
Started internship for restorers
2007   Established the Kansai Branch
Started operating the supporting membership system
Co-hosted "The Second International Symposium on Paper Conservation in East Asia" in Dazaifu with Kyushu National Museum
2008   Hosted "The Third International Symposium on Paper Conservation in East Asia" in Seoul, Korea
Started operating "Earnings Standard and Pension Plans for Restorers of ACNT"
Transferred to a general incorporated association due to abolishment of the Intermediate Corporation Law
2009   Established the Kanto Branch
The 50th Anniversary of founding
2010   Hosted "The Fourth International Symposium on Paper Conservation in East Asia" in Lanzhou, China
2011   Published "Soko-shi"(The history of mounting oriental paintings and calligraphies)
2012   Co-hosted "The Fifth International Symposium on Paper Conservation in East Asia" in Dazaifu with Kyushu National Museum