Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the urgent and complex restoration efforts of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue at the Dazu Rock Carvings, highlighting the challenges faced and innovative techniques employed in the preservation process [1][2][3]. Group 1: Restoration Challenges - The Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue, carved between 1174 and 1252, has suffered significant damage over the years, exacerbated by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, leading to a complex array of deterioration issues [1][2]. - The statue's restoration is complicated due to its multi-material composition and the severe environmental conditions, resulting in various forms of damage including peeling gold leaf and crumbling stone [2][3]. Group 2: Innovative Techniques - The restoration team utilized a combination of traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic methods and modern technology, including industrial X-ray and 3D scanning, to assess the statue's condition and identify over 34 types of damage [4][5][6]. - The team documented their findings extensively, creating over 300 damage maps and filling out more than 1,000 damage investigation forms, which helped in understanding the statue's intricate structure, including the count of 830 arms [6][7]. Group 3: Material Selection and Application - Initial attempts to use traditional materials like cowhide glue for the gold leaf restoration were unsuccessful due to mold growth in the humid environment of Chongqing, prompting the team to explore local traditional lacquer techniques [8][10]. - The restoration process involved using approximately 1 ton of lacquer and over 1 million sheets of gold leaf, marking a significant investment in materials for the project [18]. Group 4: Team Efforts and Personal Commitment - The restoration team faced numerous physical challenges, including working at great heights and enduring harsh weather conditions, which led to health issues among team members [15][16][17]. - The lead restorer, Chen Huili, emphasized the importance of this project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve the statue, reflecting a deep commitment to cultural heritage [19][20].