Admission to the talk is free but pre-registration is required. Please register via Peatix. Registration available from 26 May 2023, 10am onwards.  

The talk is conducted in Mandarin.

The imperial silk scroll "Calm Seas in the Southern Seas" was conserved and restored 23 years ago by master conservator Mr Zhang Xiao Zhai for the National Heritage Board. With six decades of dedication to his craft, Mr Zhang meticulously and skilfully restored the scroll to its full glory.

This public talk is divided into two parts. The first part by Mr Kua Bak Lim, a renowned historian is on “The Imperial Silk Scroll: A gift of “Calm Seas in the Southern Seas” by Emperor Guangxu”. Mr Kua will share the journey of how this treasure, which is part of Singapore’s National Collection, was discovered and its relationship with Thian Hock Keng Temple. In the second part of the public talk, Mr Zhang Xiao Zhai will share his journey of restoring the imperial silk scroll. He will share on the restoration process; from the original condition of the scroll to how he carefully selected materials, tested them and repaired the scroll. The talk will also discuss object conservation in Singapore’s unique climate and environment. The talk is a rare chance to uncover the secrets of restoration.

About the Speaker

Mr Kua Bak Lim
Kua Bak Lim is a renowned historian in Singapore and overseas. He is a Council Member and Chairman of Research Committee, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA). He is also the author and editors of notable publications such as A General History of the Chinese in Singapore. In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award.

Master Zhang Xiao Zhai
Zhang Xiao Zhai is a distinguished professor in China Academy of Art with over 60 years of experience in ancient calligraphy and painting restoration. His unwavering passion and dedication to the craft of restoration has allowed him to perfect the technique of "repairing old to its old state" in every piece of art that he has worked on.

Mr Zhang has restored countless works, including Huang Quan from the Five Dynasties period, excavated artefacts from the Song Dynasty, Zhao Mengfu from the Yuan Dynasty, Tang Bohu from the Ming Dynasty, Wang Shimin from the Qing Dynasty, and many other famous artworks drawn by Zhang Daqian, Xu Beihong, Wu Changshuo, Pan Tianshou, Liu Haisu, Qi Baishi etc. His clients include overseas and local private art collectors, art galleries, government and professional agencies, such as Sotheby's, National Heritage Board and National Gallery Singapore.