Museums in China have embraced a new world of exhibition opportunity through technology... and a responsibility to improve preservation not just of relics, but the rich history they convey.
At the National Museum of China, cutting-edge technology has unlocked the details and the rich history of an over 2,000-year-old priceless Chinese ritual drinking vessel.
The Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-25 AD) rhinoceros-shaped bronze zun vessel, decorated with gold and silver in cloud patterns, is a representative cultural relic housed at the National Museum of China.
It has a high degree of historical, cultural, aesthetic, technological and contemporary value. The relic displays unique aesthetics through its realistic styling and delicate ornamentation. It's also testament to a masterful level of craftsmanship.
A young person visits the digital exhibition at the National Museum of China in Beijing. /National Museum of China
The smart gallery at the National Museum of China has synthesized the collection of 3D data and made use of data fusion and environmental monitoring to present a more meaningful display of the rhino-shaped bronze zun.
"This exhibition is a new attempt by the National Museum of China in both form and content," said exhibition curator Zhu Xiaoyun. "To prepare for this exhibition, we conducted a comprehensive and systematic examination of the bronze zun, and presented its internal structure, casting method, and decorative elements in a digital form. These are things that would never be possible if not for today's technology," added Zhu.
High-definition 3D scanning, 5G, ultra-high-definition display, and artificial intelligence have been harnessed to enhance visitors' multi-sensory interaction and understanding of the cultural connotations of the bronze zun.
A young person visits the digital exhibition at the National Museum of China in Beijing. /National Museum of China
The smart gallery is the National Museum of China's initiative to revitalize and improve displays of cultural relics.
It also showcases the latest exploratory moves to construct a "smart museum."
People visit the digital exhibition at the National Museum of China in Beijing. /National Museum of China
"Digital display has been used in many of our exhibitions, and we will continue to explore how to use advanced technology to better interpret our cultural relics and their cultural connotations," said Li Huabiao, Director of Data Management and Analysis Center at the National Museum of China.