An ancient silk robe from China’s Han Dynasty has been brought back to life with the help of cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Researchers at the Hunan Museum have digitally reconstructed the delicate garment, offering a glimpse into its original splendor from over 2,000 years ago.
The straight-front robe, a common attire among Han Dynasty nobles, was unearthed from a Western Han Dynasty tomb at Mawangdui in Changsha City, Hunan Province. Adorned with intricate printed patterns of branches and tendrils, alongside painted motifs of buds, flowers, and leaves, the robe showcases the advanced weaving, printing, and dyeing techniques of ancient China.
Due to the fragility of the silk and damage sustained over millennia, restoring the robe posed a significant challenge. “We have studied these relics for quite a long time,” said He Ye, head of the data center at Hunan Museum. “Through photographing, scanning, and 3D modeling, we tried our best to collect all kinds of data of the robe to know its size, silhouette, cut, and patterns in detail.”
For the damaged and stained sections, the team employed AI-powered digital modeling tools to reconstruct the missing textures, generating an accurate digital depiction of the robe. The result is two computer-generated, three-dimensional images that provide interactive, 360-degree views: one showing the robe’s current condition, and the other revealing its original appearance as it was two millennia ago.
“Through the comparison of two models, visitors can see how a piece of garment changes over a time span of 2,000 years,” He Ye explained. This innovative approach not only preserves the garment’s legacy but also bridges the gap between the past and present, engaging a new generation with ancient heritage.
The success of this project has inspired researchers to create similar models of other artifacts. By leveraging intelligent digital technology, the Hunan Museum aims to stimulate interest in ancient history and expertly capture the beauty of relics for museum visitors around the world.
