New and Exciting Challenge
Project Successfully Completed with Surprises!
Arts Management Services LLC was asked to restore this Japanese fountain to its original 1929 look.
The fountain is part of one of the most important properties in the history of U.S. diplomacy.
Built in 1929, it’s among the first residences specifically built as a U.S. ambassador’s home. More importantly, this is where, at the end of World War II, Emperor Hirohito met with General Douglas MacArthur and renounced his divinity, forever altering the influence of Japan’s imperial family on the world stage. Apart from historical significance, this quiet residence with its spacious garden sits in the heart of busy Tokyo.
The large circular fountain pool is lined with a distinctive pattern of colorful tile that shimmers in the shallow water. The central bronze urn is believed to have come from an ancient royal temple where large vessels, usually made of wood, catch and conserve rainwater. Its surface is beautifully aged with brilliant shades of orange and green oxidation.
Now it needs some TLC.
The best part about this project is all the fascinating adventures and knowledge in store as I assemble a team of experts to tackle many challenges. I’ll be talking to Japanese artisans to create matching tile, engineers experienced with repairing concrete tunnels damaged by seismic events – Tokyo averages 6 tremors per year – and with plumbers about an unusual way to replace underground pipe by boring through the soil using water pressure.
Once all the estimates are gathered and final decisions made, we’ll assemble materials, people, and equipment for what looks to be a 2-3 week project scheduled for April or May.
While the project proceeds I’ll be stopping briefly along the way to create short videos of the special people involved and the unusual things they’re doing!
- Related Projects:
- Restoration of Maya Lin Sculptures at the US Consulate in Istanbul
- Graffiti Removal
- Art Conservation of the World’s Tallest Buddha
- Sculpture Restoration at the Winfield House
- Sculpture Installation at the US Embassy in Athens
- Ceramic Restoration
- Restoration of Sculpture by Michael Singer at the Denver International Airport
Restoration Options

The Office of Cultural Heritage
Update and Surprising Discovery
CH decided to go with the least expensive option and the one I favored, filling all the cracks and painting over them to match existing tile. It was a two-week project and completely successful.
Oh, and have a look at this brief video about a discovery we made involving the large bronze urn in the center of the fountain. It’s a tear-jerker!
https://www.magisto.com/album/video/fHYsAl1bCAd8ISEGDmEwCXx7
AWESOME job bob!!!
Thanks Linda! Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year
This project is really awesome Bob. What a thrill it must be to create ways to fix it.
Thanks George! Sure is a great gig!
Hello! Cool post, amazing!!!