Virtual Reality: Colour Reconstruction on 3D-Models

The originally polychrome figures in the tomb complex of the first Chinese emperor Qin Shihuang show hardly any colour today. Therefore the motive for this project was to demonstrate the original colourful appearance of the warriors utilizing three-dimensional computer models. From 2004 to 2006 a total of eight warriors, three bronze birds as well as a crossbow were scanned. The resulting lattice models provided the basis for texturing the surface. For this purpose digital photos were used which show the current condition of the figures. On the basis of these textures, virtual colour reconstructions were carried out using 3D-paint software. Documented research results on the former chromaticity of the warriors served as the starting point for the reconstruction.

The work included the conversion of the disordered polygon-models into ordered surfaces as well as testing new methods for texturing 3D-models.

The position of a kneeling archer is described in literature as “ready to shoot“, but it has in fact not been clarified what he was holding in his arms. The virtual reconstruction of a crossbow may give an answer to this question.

Felix Horn, Graduate Restorer (2005-2012)