Since June 2022, the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures has launched the innovative ‘Ishibashi Foundation Digital Futures’ initiative. This initiative, generously supported by the Ishibashi Foundation, aims to establish pioneering digital platforms that forge connections between students, early career researchers, curators, and established specialists, granting them access to Japanese art collections across Europe, the US, and Japan.
One of our key areas of focus within this initiative is the digitisation of Japanese arts in UK collections. This project aims to bring unparalleled experience in the digital recording of Japanese art collections in museums in the UK. Work to date has mainly focused on two-dimensional art (prints, paintings, drawings and associated paper archives). This strand of activity will develop new methods for the recording of three-dimensional artworks, in particular those whose ‘shininess’ makes them inherently difficult to capture digitally (for example, lacquerware and metalwork). Practical sessions to achieve these objectives will take place at prestigious locations such as Chiddingstone Castle and the National Museum of Scotland.
As part of our initiative, we aim to invite three research assistants to Chiddingstone Castle (Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7AD):
Chiddingstone Castle
Objective: Digitise approximately 600 urushi lacquerware pieces in the collection.
Dates: 7-11 and 14-18 October (10:00-17:00)
Orientation: An orientation session is scheduled to occur at the Castle from 7-8 October.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to the digitisation of a significant collection, assisting with sophisticated digital photography, digital data management, and cataloguing tasks.
We invite applications from individuals with graduate-level academic backgrounds in Japanese or East Asian art history, library science, museum studies, or archival studies. Desirable skills include proficiency in computer software, particularly database programmes, relevant museum or archival experience, object handling and experience in photography and/or data processing or managing digital resources.
Please note, whilst travel expenses within the UK and accommodation (arranged by the project for those requiring it) will be provided, along with a daily allowance for subsistence. However, these positions do not include additional remuneration.
We kindly request that all applications be submitted to r.matsuba@uea.ac.uk by 5pm on Friday, 20th September 2024. Regrettably, late applications cannot be accepted. The application form can be downloaded using the link below.
We look forward to receiving your application and potentially collaborating on this exhilarating project.