Tencent Blockchain makes over 6,500 files from the Dunhuang Caves available to the public for the first time
These caves and works of art from the 4th to the 14th century tell the story of the development of Buddhism and Buddhist art over 1,000 years. They provide invaluable insight into the history and development of ancient China, Central Asia and the legendary Silk Road.
Of the six known caves in Gansu Province , the Mogao Caves are the most famous. It consists of a network of more than 1,000 caves that contain remarkable murals, paintings, sculptures, scrolls, manuscripts and textiles.
An interactive and sustainable approach to the protection of cultural heritage
Since 2017, Tencent has partnered with Dunhuang Academy for the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage by digitizing the caves and the artworks inside. This allows people from all over China and the world to virtually visit the sites and see the art in incredible detail while protecting it from the harmful effects of physical tourism.
A pioneering open co-creation platform for cultural heritage supported by blockchain technology
Digitization has now gone one step further, with the launch of a blockchain-based Digital Dunhuang Material Library and approxo creation platform. It is the first of its kind in China, with the added security of IP protection using AI and blockchain technology.
Approximately 6,500 high-resolution digital assets including murals, manuscripts and scrolls from the six cave sites are now available for the first time to download from the Open Materials Library from anywhere, anytime.
In addition, the co-creation model allows individual and corporate creators to download the material to your own creation. After re-created content is uploaded to the open material library, it can be shared with others to access and download. The corresponding benefits can be achieved through the intelligent ledger system. The accuracy and integrity of the platform is protected through a strict evaluation process by Dunhuang Academy before it goes live.
Secure access for everyone with IP protection
Anyone can access the platform, but it will be particularly beneficial for:
- Researchers, researchers and teachers for use in academic articles, talks, lectures and courses.
- Museums and other cultural institutions wishing to promote, exhibit or update their collection and material at the Dunhuang Caves.
- Media organizations and content creators for use in films, documentaries or articles and books about the Dunhuang Caves.
- Companies for use in commercial contexts such as advertising or campaigns.
Images and information can be downloaded following a standardized authorization process based on usage levels, along with nominal fee payment where applicable.
It is just as important cultural information and materials from library has the support of professional researchers from Dunhuang Academy.
Protection of intellectual property rights to the digital assets via blockchain technology is a core function of the platform. Ownership and original proof of the material and information such as creation, authorization, payment and downloads are stored in the chain in real time and cannot be changed. In addition, any authorized use of the materials can be verified, and e-signature technology ensures the security of the agreement process.
Collaboration brings the magic of Dunhuang to the public
Over five years of collaboration, Tencent has brought the magic of Dunhuang to local and global audiences in other innovative ways. Among them:
1. The Cloud Museum in the Dunhuang Caves mini program
Digital impressions of Dunhuang’s murals, sculptures and caves were made available on the cloud via a Weixin mini program. It allows people to virtually visit the site and learn the stories behind them from convenient mobile devices.
More than 2 million visits were recorded on the first day of launch in spring 2020. The total number of views exceeded 50 million in the first year, setting a new standard for digital cultural preservation.
Cloud Museum of Dunhuang Caves Mini Program.
2. Dunhuang x Honor of Kings game skin
Tencent’s major mobile game Honor of Kings offers special skins based on murals found in Dunhuang. More than 40 million players have adopted the apsara skin to date, introducing Dunhuang to a young, new audience.
3. Dunhuang animation drama
Five short animation shows were produced for display at the Cloud Museum of Dunhuang Caves mini program. Each episode was based on stories depicted in murals in the Mogao Grottoes. Users can participate in the animation dubbing, turn around Dunhuang’s millennium murals to pop culture that can be enjoyed by many.
Dunhuang animation drama.
4. Dunhuang Poetry scarf
Dunhuang Poetry Scarf the project was a creative campaign that allowed users of the Cloud Museum of Dunhuang Cave’s mini-program to design their own silk scarf. Users can mix and match from eight main themes and more than 200 murals to create a unique silk scarf.
Netizens created more than 100,000 silk scarves in just two days, demonstrating the value of cultural digitization in the real world.
Netizens used Cloud Museum of Dunhuang Caves mini program to make silk scarves.
Exciting times for digitally-led cultural partnerships
Tencent’s partnership with Dunhuang Academy is ongoing, with more innovations on the way. On the horizon are more interactive and immersive applications with enhanced graphics, virtual humans, digital twins, AI, AR, VR, mixed reality and other cutting-edge technologies.
The digital avatar “Jia Yao” is the first digital ambassador of Dunhuang Culture.
Combined with recent digitization initiatives of priceless sites such as Sanxingdui, Beijing’s central axis and the Forbidden City, it is clear that technology has an important role to play in the preservation and protection of cultural heritage, as well as the communication of its value to the wider community. world. We are excited to be part of that future.
Visit the Dunhuang Material Library and Co-Creation System to see and learn about the great cultural discoveries. The English page is coming soon! We look forward to hearing your feedback via [email protected].
