A Shanghai-based restorer named Yu Mingrui has gained significant online attention by documenting the meticulous repair of a Qing dynasty ancestral portrait. His videos, which showcase the technical challenges of restoring fragile paper and silk artifacts, have attracted millions of viewers on Chinese social media. These independent professionals are increasingly sought after by families looking to preserve heirlooms like genealogies and calligraphy that have suffered from age, moisture, or insect damage. Yu’s process involves a careful four-stage approach, including cleaning, removing old backing, patching tears, and retouching faded details. Beyond the technical labor, these restorations help families recover historical information that was previously inaccessible due to the poor condition of the items. By sharing his work, Yu has raised public awareness about the feasibility of professional restoration for domestic artifacts that might otherwise be left to deteriorate.
Source : [Sixth Tone](https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1019082/When China’s Family Heirlooms Need More Than Tape, Glue, or Luck)
Photo : Sixth Tone
