Japanese Netsuke in 3D
Hello! My name is Vladimir Matiasevich. I am an R&D engineer specializing in hardware, software, and AI solutions. Additionally, I have significant experience in 3D scanning, modeling, and visualization.
In 2019, I had the opportunity to contribute to the Objet.art Project (ArtClub Digital Heritage) by helping to develop the section on netsuke for the “Hermitage Under a Magnifying Glass” project. This project highlights Japanese art, with a special focus on netsuke. Two experts from Russia and the United Kingdom were invited to select ten unique pieces from the museum’s collection. Anna Savelyeva, Curator of Japanese Art at the State Hermitage Museum, and Max Rutherston, a British expert who has dedicated much of his life to studying Japanese art, particularly netsuke, share their knowledge and insights on each piece.
Demon in Front of a Mirror
Edo, mid – second half of the 19th century
Artist: Homin
Material: wood
Dimensions: 4.7 x 4 cm
This netsuke features highly detailed surfaces and intricate relief, making it a true challenge for 3D scanning, especially in small grooves and protruding areas.
Coiled Carp
Kyoto, end of the 18th – beginning of the 19th century
Artist: Unknown
Material: ivory and transparent horn
Dimensions: 3.3 x 4.6 cm
The eyes of this netsuke are semi-transparent, which adds difficulty to digitization. Detailed 3D scanning was essential to capture each fine detail accurately.
Dog, Puppies, and an Old Hat
Kuwana, Ise Province, late 18th century
Artist: Kokei
Material: wood
Dimensions: 2.8 х 4.4 cm
This netsuke has complex geometry with numerous small details. Careful scanning was required to preserve all the nuances of its form.
Jugyoku Snail
Edo (Asakusa), mid-late 19th century
Artist: Chounsai Jugyoku
Material: painted horn
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 cm
This netsuke is made from multiple materials with different physical properties, adding complexity to accurately capturing each texture in the 3D model.
Dutchman with Rooster
Japan, late 18th century
Artist: Unknown
Material: wood
Dimensions: 9.5 x 2.5 cm
This netsuke has an extremely detailed surface, requiring high-resolution scanning to capture its intricate features.
Ronin Lying on Mat
Wakayama, late 18th century
Artist: Ogasawara Issai (attrib.)
Material: wood
Dimensions: 2.5 х 7.5 cm
This netsuke has a complex relief with many surface details, which required careful scanning to replicate its exact texture and shape.
Tametaka Goat
Nagoya, late 18th century
Artist: Tametaka
Material: wood
Dimensions: 4 х 2 cm
This netsuke has a rich texture and detailed surface that needed accurate scanning to convey its distinctive features.
Wind God Fujin
Osaka, late 18th century
Artist: Shumemaru (Heigan)
Material: wood
Dimensions: 9.7 x 2.8 cm
The primary challenge in scanning this netsuke was capturing the open mouth and a movable bead inside. Scanning required special attention to these elements to ensure accurate shape and mobility.
Tokoku Jurojin
Edo/Tokyo, late 19th century
Artist: Tokoku
Material: wood, ivory
Dimensions: 4.0 х 2.6 cm
This netsuke combines a detailed surface with extensive smooth and glossy areas, creating additional challenges in digitization due to reflections and uniform texture.
There are no actual photographs in the video or its illustrations. All visualizations were created solely from 3D scans.
Sotoba Komachi
Osaka, first half of the 19th century
Artist: Shukosai Anraku
Material: ivory
Dimensions: 5.6 х 2.6 cm
This netsuke is made of a dark, highly glossy material. This gives it a unique look but creates scanning challenges due to reflections and complex geometry.
More details about the equipment used for 3D scanning
- СomplexScan AUTOBOX v1 — professional equipment for photogrammetric 3D scanning, photo-360, video