China unveils initial 'jiandu' collection, expanding its native vocabulary inventory
Tourist Delights in Gansu Jiandu Museum Exhibit
Stepping into the captivating world of ancient artifacts, a tourist snapshots a Jiandu piece at the Gansu Jiandu Museum. Image Credit: VCG
The allure of the Jiandu relics, such as fish and fermented bean recipes from the Han Dynasty, has inspired researchers like Zhong Yu'e to recreate dishes that once graced the tables of the ancient Silk Road. "Jiandu reveals a treasure trove of insights into ancient society, laws, literature, numerology, and ethnic relationships," explains Zhang Yiwu, a cultural studies professor at Peking University. "Much of this knowledge remains applicable to our modern lives," he adds. "Thanks to digital technologies, these Jiandu artifacts have been catapulted into the hands of a worldwide audience."
Just as Zhang suggests, digital technology is no longer a rarity in Jiandu research but has become an essential element in public spaces like museums. Housing over 100,000 Jiandu pieces, the Changsha Jiandu Museum, located in Hunan Province, features an array of wooden and bamboo slips dating back to the Kingdom of Wu, during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280). In an effort to captivate visitors, the museum has created an AR picture book that brings to life historical anecdotes hidden behind Jiandu slips by scanning QR codes on book pages.
Mimicking the Changsha site, the director of Gansu Jiandu Museum, Zhu Jianjun, told us that two AI robots, christened "little Jian" and "little du", have already been employed to guide visitors interactively through the museum. "The digital revolution of Jiandu not only highlights the innovation of the relics but also demonstrates that today's Chinese cultural heritage conservation is intertwined with technological advancements," Zhu said.
While information on the role of digital technology in the preservation and presentation of Jiandu relics at museums may not exist explicitly in publicly available resources, we can infer that these technologies play a pivotal role in three key areas: preservation, presentation, and lighting solutions. Integrated in museums like the Gansu Jiandu Museum and Changsha Jiandu Museum, digital technologies can boost visitor engagement, safeguard artifact preservation, and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jiandu relics.
Digital preservation can involve techniques such as high-resolution imaging, 3D scans, climate control and monitoring, and advanced imaging for conservation analysis. Digital platforms can also present Jiandu relics to a global audience through virtual exhibitions, provide detailed information via interactive displays, and use AI-based tools for character recognition and trends analysis. Lastly, high-quality LED museum lighting solutions can ensure the safety of artifacts while enhancing visibility.
As you explore the enchanting realm of the Gansu Jiandu Museum, take a moment to appreciate the captivating impact of digital technologies on ancient artifacts and modern preservation efforts that bring history to life!
- The Gansu Jiandu Museum, much like the Changsha Jiandu Museum, utilizes digital technologies such as AR picture books and AI robots, demonstrating that modern conservation efforts seamlessly blend with technological advancements.
- In the realm of Jiandu relic preservation, digital technologies offer innovative solutions like high-resolution imaging, 3D scans, and climate control, ensuring the safety and visibility of these ancient artifacts.
- Beyond preservation, digital technologies also amplify the presentation and appreciation of Jiandu relics, making them accessible to a global audience via virtual exhibitions and interactive displays, all while fostering a deeper understanding of the rich cultural history they represent.
