Chichibu Shrine (Saitama Prefecture) has been undergoing a large-scale renovation project of the main shrine since 2018. To reproduce "Tsunagi no Ryu", a painted wood sculpture created by "Hidari Jingoro" famous for "Sleeping Cat" (Nemurineko) of Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

MIMAKI｜3DUJ-553

In this project, Hara Seisakusyo (HARA SEISAKUSYO Co., Ltd.) was responsible for 3D scanning and 3D data creation, Mimaki Engineering used its full-color 3D printer "3DUJ-553" for 3D printing, and Kowa Display Co., Inc. manufactured Showcase.

Faithfully reproduce the skills of Japanese Edo masters using full-color 3D data

"During the Edo period in Japan, the blue of the dragon was colored with mineral pigments made from crushed natural stone, so it was very difficult to reproduce. It required a lot of trial and error," said Yosuke Hara, president of Hara Seisaku Co., Ltd., using high Accurate full-color 3D scanning technology, "Tsunagi no Ryu" was scanned 360 degrees and converted into 3D data. The 3D data was 3D printed by Mimaki Engineering's full color 3D printer "3DUJ-553" to create a 1/5 scale replica of "Tsunagari no Ryu". The printer uses over 10 million colors to accurately reproduce full-color 3D data.

Generally speaking, the protection of cultural property is often done by hand. For this restoration, no manual work such as engraving or hand painting was done. Instead, use 3D data and 3D printing.

Mr. Hara, who created the 3D data, said: "We have never been able to 3D print color data before, but Mimaki Engineering's full color 3D printer is so rich in color expression that we were able to faithfully reproduce the full color data. I think the most attractive The human thing is that we are able to combine the two.

Passing on cultural properties of the Edo period to future generations

Mr. Hara added: "There are many things in the world that are called cultural assets. We don't know when they will disappear due to natural disasters such as earthquakes. That's why I want to archive them as 3D data first, then keep and leave They. I think these data will be a good starting point for recovery, so I want to utilize 3D scanning technology in this way.