​In an unprecedented feat of technological artistry, Mimir LLC has set a new benchmark in the realm of digital art preservation in Japan. Our latest project with the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, has opened a gateway to the future, merging the delicate beauty of ceramics with the infinite possibilities of digital technology. This endeavour involved meticulously capturing dozens of the museum's priceless ceramic pieces and transforming them into high-fidelity 3D models, viewable on the popular platform, Sketchfab.

Leveraging state-of-the-art techniques, including Physically Based Rendering (PBR), Mimir LLC has not only preserved these precious artifacts in digital form but also enhanced their viewing experience. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has resulted in models that come close to reality in their detail, offering an immersive experience that brings these ancient treasures into the hands of art enthusiasts worldwide. This initiative is more than just a project; it's a pioneering step towards safeguarding cultural heritage in the digital era.

By creating photorealistic 3D models of ancient ceramic pieces, Mimir LLC is not only preserving art but also making it accessible to a global audience. This digital transformation allows for an interactive and immersive exploration of these artifacts, offering a new perspective on the finest ceramic craftsmanship.

​Transitioning from physical to digital, the project undertaken by Mimir LLC is a game-changer in the field of art preservation. Each ceramic piece from the Gifu Prefecture Museum was carefully scanned and digitally reconstructed, ensuring that every curve, colour, and crack was captured with the utmost precision. This meticulous process has enabled the creation of a digital archive, safeguarding these treasures against the ravages of time.

​One crucial aspect of this work is the craftsmanship. The camera, while a very sophisticated piece of technology, has its limitations. It cannot capture materials like reflective metals, glass, or featureless surfaces such as white China very well. Mimir's designer spent countless hours hand-painting golden surfaces, for example. For some pieces, it could take up to a week to recreate every little golden surface on a piece by hand. While smartphones have advanced considerably and can now serve as 3D capture devices, they cannot replicate this artistic work.

​Sketchfab, a leading platform for 3D model sharing, has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. The collaboration between Sketchfab and Mimir LLC showcases how technology can be harnessed to preserve and promote cultural heritage. Through Sketchfab, these digitised ceramic pieces are now available for public viewing, providing an unparalleled virtual experience.

​One of the standout features of Mimir LLC's approach is the use of Physically Based Rendering (PBR). This technique simulates the way light interacts with surfaces, resulting in incredibly realistic lighting and shadow effects on the 3D models. PBR has brought these ancient ceramics to life, showcasing their beauty in a whole new light.

​Soukei Aoyama is an experimental archaeologist who has strived to recreate Muromachi era ceramics for decades. We captured this 15th century kiln reconstruction near completion in the hills of Onada, Tajimi. It’s the first attempt of its kind. In this kiln Aoyama will try to fire the famous Shiro Tenmoku (white tenmoku) bowls, that were treasured by the samurai and medieval high society of Japan. The master re-engineered the production method for the bowls from findings in this area.

Courtesy of The Society for Firing Pottery in the Kokeizan Forest, Kokeizan Choushingama Kiln.

View our MAKING OF YouTube video. Read our article about SHIRO TENMOKU. Learn more about the  KUSANOGASHIRAGAMA  kiln. View our SHIRO TENMOKU bowl model.