[Explanation] Jin Hongping is a restorer of ancient folk calligraphy and paintings in Lanxi, Jinhua, Zhejiang. He liked calligraphy and painting since he was a child. He learned art from a teacher when he was 18 years old. He has been in the business for more than 30 years and has restored more than 10,000 works.

  [Concurrent] Jin Hongping, restorer of ancient calligraphy and painting

  The so-called broken is that the core part is still broken, that is, the broken one on the side. It must be repaired or it will be broken.

Repairing is mounting, and repairing is to repair the broken part of the core of the painting. After repairing, install a scroll that can be hung.

  [Concurrent] Jin Hongping, restorer of ancient calligraphy and painting

  (Four steps to repair) Wash, reveal and complete.

Washing is the first step. Wash off the dirt on the broken (work) with clean water.

Uncovering is to uncover the backing paper behind, and uncover the last painting core.

Then it's patching up, using the same color paper to patch up the holes or broken parts.

The last one is full, which is to make up but still look discordant and use it with a pen (corresponding) full color.

  [Explanation] Jin Hongping believes that restoring ancient calligraphy and painting is "returning it to its true colors", not a mechanical labor to make up the broken parts, and it depends on the work.

  [Concurrent] Jin Hongping, restorer of ancient calligraphy and painting

  There are many masterpieces by famous artists. If you are not at this level, it is because the great painter and the famous painter are very good at taking down the pen. How can you make it up? We just don't make it up. Let it be empty.

Just make up the same color, so it is called full color.

For example, Venus' broken arm is not connected properly.

  [Explanation] In the eyes of Jin Hongping, repairing ancient calligraphy and painting is like a doctor treating a disease. When he sees the ancient calligraphy and painting regaining a new life in his hands, he is also full of accomplishment.

  [Concurrent] Jin Hongping, restorer of ancient calligraphy and painting

  A broken thing was completely repaired in my hands, and I felt a sense of accomplishment.

Just like the doctor rescued the patient, and (in the process) admiring the old paintings is also a pleasure.

People look dull and I am actually very happy, because repairing is like practicing spiritual practice.

The so-called dilapidated calligraphy and painting, whether it belongs to everyone or a small family, are the traditional culture of the Chinese nation. The repair of traditional culture is our responsibility and obligation. We are a kind of practice and our merit.

  [Explanation] In interviews, Jin Hongping repeatedly mentioned that he is engaged in an unpopular industry, and there are not many young people interested, and even fewer can persist.

In 2018, Jin Hongping was rated as the inheritor of Lanxi Municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage-Ancient Calligraphy and Painting Mounting and Restoration Techniques. He hopes that he can play a role in connecting the past and the next in his own generation.

  [Concurrent] Jin Hongping, restorer of ancient calligraphy and painting

  Nowadays, many young people find this annoying, (repair) must be patient, careful, and interested.

He wants to learn (me), even if he teaches him, he must pass on this (repair technique).

Those who learn art should not be the middle and lower ones, but should learn the highest level of truth and strive to explore the essence of the inherent culture.

We inherit the essence left by the predecessors, and then carry it forward in my hands.

  Shen Yishan, Zhou Sun Yu reports from Jinhua, Zhejiang

Editor in charge: [Wang Kai]