Virtual Shikki and Sazaedo: shape modeling in digital preservation of Japanese lacquer ware and temples

Issues concerning the digital preservation of the shapes and internal structures of culturally valuable objects are discussed. An overview of existing approaches to digital shape preservation and corresponding problems is given. Our approach is based on using constructive modeling, which reflects the logical structure of the shapes. We examine and select those mathematical representations of shapes that fit the purposes of long-term digital preservation. Constructive solid geometry (CSG) is applied to the modeling of a Japanese temple (the Sazaedo) with a unique internal structure. The traditional Japanese lacquer ware called 'Shikki' is modeled using a function representation (F-Rep). We describe the Virtual Shikki project, which is aimed at presenting the virtual shapes and textures of lacquer-ware on the World Wide Web.