Conserving Vulture Peak | Episode 6: Backing fabric

This week conservators Hannah and Monique choose and prepare the new backing fabric for the Vulture Peak embroidery.
The embroidery dates from China’s Tang dynasty (AD 618-907). It depicts the Buddha preaching at Vulture Peak - in Buddhist tradition a favourite retreat of the Buddha and his disciples, located in what is now north-east India.
It was discovered by archaeologist Sir Aurel Stein (1862-1943) who, while exploring the many caves at Dunhuang, discovered a walled up cave. Behind this wall was a library full of manuscripts paintings and textiles, including this astonishing embroidery.
Watch the rest of the ‘Conserving Vulture Peak’ series here: goo.gl/FXoBK2
The tapestry is part of a collection donated to the British Museum by the archaeologist Sir Aurel Stein (1862-1943).
You can find more information in the collection online goo.gl/7B4W81