When the old and new collide: 3D scanning Bizen-ware

​Growshapes likes 3D-scanning stuff (naturally!) to see how digitization impacts industry and people.  

This month we 3D-scanned a beautiful Bizen-ware bird, created by Japanese ceramic artist Yukiko Akai, who lives in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Yukiko uses an 800-year-old kiln firing method for ceramics, which originated on the Korean peninsula and migrated to the town of Bizen, Japan, eventually evolving into Bizen-ware. Bizen-ware is a durable ceramic with a distinct gloss created from a chemical reaction of clay, fire, and firewood ash, rather than from glazing.  Even without glazing, the ceramic is watertight.
 
Because of Bizen-ware uses all-natural materials and processes, Yukiko also participates in the excavation of medieval kilns to research historical kiln structures, document findings, and educate others. Such research aims to not only uncover the past, but also enable exploration of new artistic expressions.
 
This summer, Yukiko and her Master (teacher) undertook a project in Arkansas to recreate the Bizen-ware process there, using the clay and local materials of Arkansas.  You can read more about the project here.

When Growshapes encountered her work, the first thing we thought was, “Let’s digitize!”

So here it is.  A piece from Yukiko's signature "Bird" series in its digital glory. 

Scan files with texture

Fused file without texture

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Fused file with texture

Photo of the actual Bizen-ware "Bird"

This piece was a bit tricky to 3D scan due to its dark color, gloss and the concave shape on the top.  The key was to place the object in the right position, 3D scan from several angles so that the light would cast on all angles of the object. ​

 The "Bird" has been scanned using the HP 3D Structured Light Pro S3 with dual camera, with the scanner set up on the desk scan lever, and the object placed on the automated turntable. 

Click to buy the HP 3D Structured Lights Scanner Pro S3 with Dual Camera Bundle.

The whole scanning process took less than 2 hours from set up to file clean up.  Organic shapes, especially symmetrical ones, tend to be difficult to align in 3D scanning.  But the HP 3D scanner alignment features really excelled once again!

"Now I actually understand how digitization of traditional physical objects can be achieved. To see my actual creation in digital form is quite exciting! " said Yukiko upon seeing the digital 3D scan files.

"Digitization will definitely help in preserving physical objects as information and be analyzed. The information can also continue to be used in the future .”   ​​

Yukiko Akai, Bizen-ware artist

​Yukiko’s “Bird” series is something she has created since 2012.  Having grown up surrounded by nature, Yukiko wanted to express beautiful organic shapes through ceramics.  During the Bon Festival when Yukiko was honoring her grandfather’s spirit, a beautiful bird landed in her garden and befriended her. That was when she decided to create the “Bird”.  The series have further evolved to have a more streamlined form after visiting the U.S. and seeing a bird soar in the sky. She felt the wind as she watched the bird fly away and wanted to express it. 

​How beautiful! 

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Growshapes is an HP Silver Partner of HP 3D scanning solutions and the official U.S. distributor of Open Technologies 3D Scanners - an endorsement that makes us proud.

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