Each of the four fusuma panels requires a custom climate‑controlled crate sized roughly 3.6 × 1.8 m, shipped under 18±2°C and 50±5% RH, palletized with vibration dampers and accompanied by an ATA carnet and condition reports for the international loan.
Logistics and institutional roles at a glance
The remounting of the 17th‑century set Kinkishoga, Sennin‑zu (The Four Accomplishments and Immortal) is a multi‑stage supply‑chain operation involving SAM, the British Museum, Tohoku University of Arts and Sciences, and the National Museum of Asian Art at the Smithsonian. Coordination covers transport, customs clearance, conservation staging, and exhibition installation.
Key transport and handling requirements
- Crating: bespoke timber crates with inert foam and desiccant packs to control humidity swings during air or surface transport.
- Condition reporting: high‑resolution photos, pigment maps, and baseline documentation for insurance and customs.
- Movement windows: timed courier handovers to coincide with gallery climate stabilization schedules.
- Regulatory: export/import permits and cultural property loan agreements with clear return dates and conservation obligations.
Conservation workflow: tools, materials, and stages
Because fusuma paintings are attached to their mounting, treatment addresses both the painting surface and the support structure. Work at SAM’s Tateuchi Conservation Studio followed a stepwise plan: documentation, dismantling, stabilization, new lining, and remounting on finished panels.
Typical tools and adhesives
- Tweezers, soft brushes, and water sprayers for removing aged support linings.
- Knives, awls, bamboo folders to prepare new handmade Japanese papers.
- Animal glue for consolidating friable pigments; wheat starch paste for adhering support layers and mending tears.
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Handmade Japanese paper | Support build‑ups and lining | Selected for fiber orientation and weight |
| Interior lattice & lacquer trim | Finished panel frame | Custom fabricated in Japan to match historical appearance |
| Condition report package | Insurance, customs, and loans | Includes photos, measurements, and pigment notes |
What dismantling revealed about provenance and past treatments
Dismantling invariably uncovers recycled underlayers: account books, letters, and printed matter embedded in earlier linings provide material evidence for past treatments. In SAM’s case, dated papers and an inscription on an interior lattice confirmed at least two remounts after the panels left their 17th‑century shrine setting in Nara.
Comparing paper formats and sizing across related works allowed conservators to corroborate links to panels in the British Museum and to items recently found in a private collection in Aomori. Such forensic paper‑work is crucial to reconstructing installation history, double‑sided configurations, and the movement of artworks across collections.
Collaboration and scholarship
Conservation has gone hand in hand with curatorial research: Aaron Rio, Tateuchi Foundation Curator of Japanese and Korean Art at SAM, collaborated with British and Japanese art historians to attribute the panels to Kano Sōgen Shigenobu. The paintings will join a British Museum‑curated show traveling to two venues in Japan in summer 2026, reuniting long‑separated components and enriching the exhibition narrative.
Given the scale of the panels, SAM partnered with the National Museum of Asian Art at the Smithsonian for key treatment stages, while Tohoku University of Arts and Sciences shared technical analyses and handling protocols.
Practical considerations for visiting the exhibition
Travelers planning to see the remounted fusuma should note gallery access hours, the typical duration for viewing the installation, and nearest transport hubs. For flexible local transport, platforms like GetRentacar.com can offer affordable global car rental options and a range of vehicles—from compact economy cars to luxury SUVs and eco‑friendly scooters—helpful for families or researchers carrying gear or photos.
Quick checklist before you go
- Check exhibition dates and ticket availability.
- Confirm gallery access times and any guided‑tour schedules.
- Arrange climate‑sensitive transit if you are transporting prints or photographic equipment.
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Highlights: international museum collaboration streamlined logistics and conservation workflows; remounting work revealed documentary evidence about prior remounts and ties to the British Museum and Aomori finds; the exhibition will reunite related panels and advance scholarship on Kano Sōgen Shigenobu. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t replace firsthand experience. On GetRentaCar, you can rent a car from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Embrace transparency, convenience, and wide vehicle choices to save time and travel smart—Book your Ride GetRentaCar.com
In summary, the project illustrates how careful conservation, precise transport logistics, and cross‑institution cooperation restore both material integrity and scholarly context to historic fusuma. From crate specifications and adhesive selection to provenance research and exhibition loans, the effort affects routes, schedules, insurance costs, and visitor planning. Whether you’re arranging a short city getaway to see the set, organizing a research trip, or comparing rental options for a family visit, these practical steps help you get the best deals, reduce risk of damage, and enjoy the exhibition with confidence.
