| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GHF
Mission to Shanxi Province Provides Support for the
Derelict Foguang Temple
January 6th, 2004 -
Global Heritage Fund’s Shanxi mission identified
two major ancient wooden monuments from the Tang Dynasty
for conservation support and GHF is currently planning
to provide funding and expertise for the investigation,
planning and scientific conservation of the 1,200-year
old Foguang Temple at Wutai Mountain, the most important
remaining wooden architectural jewels of Chinese civilization
of the Tang Dynasty, a tribute to the peak of Buddhist
art and architecture from the 9th century AD.
GHF is working with Shanxi Province’s
Cultural Relics Bureau on a 2004 investigation and
planning for conservation requirements of Foguang
Temple, which has not been repaired or conserved since
the 17th century. Extensive structure damage from
falling rocks, rotting roofing, beams and pillars
and to the most exquisite Tang Dynasty architecture
and sculptures is threatening to damage the last of
two remaining and oldest wooden architectural wonders
of the Tang Dynasty.
Recent looting in 2002 of Foguang’s
sister Nanchang Temple where thieves sawed off the
head of the oldest and most priceless Buddha in China
has raised the need for heightened security and national
and international attention.
About Global Heritage Fund
The Global Heritage Fund's mission is to enable successful
long-term preservation of humankind's most important
archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating
new engines for economic growth in developing countries.
GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation
Plans, provides early matching grants and training,
builds local institutions and promotes sustainable
tourism development to ensure permanent protection
for global cultural treasures. The Global Heritage
Fund is a registered non-profit conservancy based
in Palo Alto, California.
Please direct media inquiries to:
GHF Press press@globalheritagefund.org
or (650) 325 7520
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