3D Digital Modeling as a Sustainable Conservation and Revitalization Path for the Cultural Heritage of Han Dynasty Stone Reliefs

Cultural relics and historical sites serve as carriers of cultural, historical, and artistic information. However, any damage incurred by these cultural relics can result in the loss of information, consequently impacting sustainable conservation and revitalization of the cultural heritage. Han Dynasty stone reliefs are a representative carrier of art and history during the Han Dynasty, an early stage of Chinese history. Due to the influence of materials, carving techniques, and protective measures, the conservation and revitalization of Han Dynasty stone reliefs have been significantly restricted. In this study, a systematic investigation was carried out to study the current situation and existing problems related to the protection of Han Dynasty stone reliefs. Additionally, a case study was conducted using the Wuling Ancestral Hall (Wuliang Shrine) as an example, to explore the integration of 3D digital technology as a new sustainable approach. The results show that natural weathering and conventional techniques have caused irreversible information loss. Thus, adopting a three-dimensional digital perspective is crucial when considering the information preservation and revitalization of Han Dynasty stone reliefs. To achieve this, 3D digital models of representative stone reliefs, tomb chambers, and other sculptures from the Wuliang Ancestral Hall were established. These models provide new paths for accurately recording 3D information and better utilizing cultural heritage. Faced with the challenge of preserving historical heritage and its associated information, a workflow including 3D scanning, data collection and processing, 3D modeling, visualization, and information utilization is proposed. This approach offers new approaches for sustainable conservation and revitalization of Han Dynasty stone reliefs.