The Tsuzuri Project: Art reproduction using the R5

Canon as part of the Tsuzuri Project aims to create high-resolution facsimiles of Japanese culture that reflect every detail of the original artworks.

A joint research project with the Kyoto Cultural Association and National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties (CPCP), the Tsuzuri Project has been active since 2007 with the main goal to preserve these important Japanese works.  You can read up on the Tuszui project here.

The Wind and Thunder Gods created byTawaraya Sotatsu, is regarded as a national treasure of Japan. It is the latest famous Japanese cultural property to be captured using Canon's imaging technology.  The Canon setup uses an R5, and what appears to be a 300mm F2.8L. 

With this, they created a 4.2 billion pixels super-high-resolution image. Of course, this is nothing like the 717 gigapixel image captured here, but it's still impressive.

Once they capture the digital image they then use the imagePROGRAF PRO-4000 to print the artwork.   The print uses 12 color pigment ink and washi paper.  Canon has adapted washi paper for printing and even performed development to enable printing on silk paper.

Once the artwork is printed it's mounted and ten finished with gold leaf, gold paint.  It also must be mounted on an authentic Japanese sliding door or folding screen by a Japanese master craftsman.  These craftsmen are responsible for restoring mountings and restoring various cultural assets in Kyoto.

I think this is amazing.

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