[Explanation] Hou Yulin, 67, is an ancient ceramic restorer in Haigang District, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. Pieces of damaged ancient ceramics have been given new "life" through his hands.
Recently, the reporter met Hou Yulin in his studio.
According to Hou Yulin, he has been fond of collecting ancient ceramics since 1995, and has restored more than 3,000 ancient ceramics in the past 27 years.
[Concurrent] Hou Yulin, an ancient ceramic restorer
At that time, because I had no experience with this repair, (all) invited others to repair it, but the effect of the repair was not satisfactory.
In addition, in my past home, my ancestors also had (people) who were engaged in this aspect of collection and restoration, so I learned this aspect of restoration knowledge from them.
Because of the collection and the continuous research on these (ancient porcelain restoration), the restoration effect is more ideal, so I gradually fell in love with this business.
[Explanation] Hou Yulin said that ancient ceramic restoration technology is a skill that uses traditional manual craftsmanship, inorganic and organic materials, and special equipment and tools, and strives to minimize intervention to restore damaged ancient ceramic cultural relics to their original appearance.
[Concurrent] Hou Yulin, an ancient ceramic restorer
Every step of the repair process has to be done with care.
For example, if you can't clean it well, then after you glue it (for ancient porcelain repair), there will be a very black mark in this gap, then you will bring trouble to the next process.
In principle, when we start from the basics, we will do it step by step.
[Explanation] In order to ensure the repair quality of ancient ceramics, Hou Yulin often purchases dozens of repair materials such as cultural relic cleaning agents and adhesives specially used by major foreign museums.
Through trial and error and analysis and comparison, the best process and material combination plan is worked out.
[Concurrent] Hou Yulin, an ancient ceramic restorer
In the past, there was no strong adhesive for bonding, so in order to strengthen it, in order to realize its use and placement function, it must strengthen the bonding of this part, so this kind of porcelain was produced.
Well, with the advancement of science and technology, we now have all kinds of adhesives, such as food-grade and high-temperature resistant adhesives. These adhesives have been produced, so it is very simple for us to do these tasks now.
[Explanation] Nowadays, many ancient ceramic restoration enthusiasts often come here to experience and learn this skill in Hou Yulin's studio.
In order to better demonstrate this skill, Hou Yulin built an ancient ceramics exhibition hall of more than 200 square meters next to his studio in 2018, displaying about 400 collections, most of which were remnants repaired by him or his students. A large number of physical specimens are provided for the study of ancient ceramic restoration.
[Concurrent] Sun Ningning, a lover of ancient ceramic restoration
I've been here for nearly half a year, and I didn't know anything about repairing at first. Later, after Mr. Hou's guidance, I felt that I had made great progress and liked this work more and more.
[Concurrent] Hou Yulin, an ancient ceramic restorer
As the country attaches great importance to the cultural industry, we let some young people (to participate), attract them, and make some contributions to the society, so that these young people can learn these skills in a solid way, and use this (ancient porcelain restoration skills) Handed down.
Reported by Wang Huaying and Liu Sitong from Qinhuangdao
Responsible editor: [Wu Tao]