3-D data of Japanese cultural assets being put to good use
CHIBA, Japan: A research laboratory of Chiba University’s graduate school is recording the 3-D data of Buddhist statues and other cultural assets in Chiba Prefecture. It aims to create stereoscopic data of objects that could potentially be stolen or deteriorate.
Some moves to use the 3-D data could help vitalise local communities. For example, a temple began selling miniature models of its statues as charms, and a metalwork and engraving artist has used the data to produce accessories.
The lab began collecting the 3D data after Prof. Akira Ueda, 50, of the university’s graduate school of engineering, proposed the project to people involved with temples in 2013.
The researchers took a portable scanner to 10 locations, including temples, shrines and the Kamogawa-shi Kyodo Shiryokan local history museum in Kamogawa. They used the scanner to record the 3-D data of about 40 objects, such as Buddhist statues and wood carvings.
Hironobu Aoki, 25, a student of the graduate school’s doctoral course, plays a leading role. “The data could also be useful for preservation, repairs and restoration of cultural assets. I hope more people become aware that such endeavours are under way, so we can collect more data.”
Initiatives to use the 3-D data have already begun.
Komatsuji temple in Minamiboso in the prefecture boasts an about 1,300-year history. Miniature reproductions of its Buddhist Kisshoten and Bishamonten statues, which were produced in the latter half of the Heian period (794-late 12th century), are being produced with a 3-D printer and the data. The miniatures are about 2.5 cm in height.
Hiroshi Deguchi, 50, a metalwork and engraving artist based in Tateyama in the prefecture, runs an artist’s studio called Tomigin. He has been producing silver jewellery on a trial basis that is based on the 3-D data of “A,” a woodcarving of a lion at Konrenin temple in Tateyama.
“A” was made by Goto Yoshimitsu, one of two prominent sculptors in the Awa region - now the southern part of Chiba Prefecture - who specialised in shrine and temple decorations during the early modern period.
The actual woodcarving is 31 cm high, 48 cm wide and 31 cm thick. Deguchi used a 3-D printer to produce a replica that is about three cm wide. He then made a casting mould using the replica and poured molten silver into it to produce miniatures for bracelets, pendants and rings.
Using 3-D data for commercial purposes while creating a system that is beneficial to cultural assets is a challenge for both Chiba University and others.
Deguchi was upbeat. “In the future, I would like to increase the variety of products and sell them as commercial goods.” — The Japan News/Yomiuri