Computer Reconstruction of the Appearance of Amur Cossacks and the Manchu in the 17th Century

Abstract

The article studies historical appearance of Russian servicemen of the Far East in the 17th century as well as their traditional opponents – soldiers of the eight-banner army of Qing China. The study sets a goal to practically model and print 3D models of the people understudy. To form basic sketches of the models the authors use historical images as well as modern reconstructions of uniforms and weapons. Computer modeling was carried out using open software. The approach is to develop a utilitarian technique for high-quality modeling of three-dimensional models of historical characters without professional art education. As a result, the authors have got unique three-dimensional models made according to a single algorithm. The use of three-dimensional modeling technologies provides for a fairly simple creation of both a character model itself and his uniform and weapons. Also, three-dimensional modeling allows one to create copies of individual objects thus forming a library that can significantly reduce the time spent on creating similar models. 3D printing technologies make it easy to replicate physical copies of a 3D model which in this case makes it possible to fulfill orders for small-scale production of souvenirs. The models can be applied in industrial production such as casting and milling.