This presentation examines the digital visualization and content creation process applied to a miniature ancient Silla gold leaf excavated from the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond archaeological complex in Gyeongju. Measuring approximately 3.6 × 1.17 cm, the artifact was recovered in two separate fragments and subsequently stabilized through conservation treatment prior to digital documentation. Composed of high-purity gold and characterized by extremely fine engraved decoration, the gold leaf presents significant challenges for conventional documentation. Its small scale and highly reflective metallic surface preclude reliable acquisition through standard 3D scanning or photogrammetric methods. To address these limitations, Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) was employed to document and visualize the artifact’s surface morphology. RTI enabled the recording of micro-scale engraved details that cannot be captured as geometric data using conventional three-dimensional techniques. Normal maps derived from the RTI dataset were subsequently extracted and repurposed as transferable surface-detail data. This allowed the engraved surface to be rendered within a real-time digital environment. By integrating RTI-derived normal information into a physically based rendering workflow, the surface relief, reflectivity, and lighting response of the gold leaf were visually simulated and applied to digital content production. Tracing the workflow from excavation and conservation to real-time rendering, this presentation demonstrates how RTI-based visualization can support conservation-oriented documentation while also enabling the creation of exhibition-ready digital assets from otherwise non-scannable archaeological materials.

Authors:
Jihyun Min, Technology Research Institute for Culture & Heritage, South Korea
Gyeongyeol Kim, Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, South Korea

About the Presenter(s)
Jihyun Min, Principal Researcher at the Technology Research Institute for Culture & Heritage, working as a project manager and consultant on R&D and international cultural heritage projects, with a focus on digital conservation and content creation.

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See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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