The patent that serves as the fundamental technology for the high-definition reproduction of "Clone Cultural Property" developed by the Research on culture sharing group at the Tokyo University of the Arts’ (TUA) COI Site was awarded the "21st Century Incentive Award for Invention" in the 2017 Nationwide Commendation for Invention.

This technology recreates the original texture by combining high-precision digital technology and the craftsmanship of artists, and this has dramatically improved the quality of our reproductions. At the same time, it also resolves the long-standing dilemma “preservation vs the need to make it open to the public”.

“Clone Cultural Property" which uses this patent technology, is not only useful in passing down reproduction and restoration techniques of cultural properties which deteriorate over time or gets damaged for other reasons, but also for education and tourism as well as the development of cultural diplomacy and art business. Many people in both Japan and overseas are hopeful about its potential to be used for a wide range of purposes.

“Invention of a technology to restore cultural property to the smallest detail including the texture” (Patent No. 4559524)Click here for details
21st Century Incentive Award of InventionClick here for details
Japan Institute of Invention and InnovationClick here for details