When students in ASIA 325 / ARTH 325: The Arts of the Book in Asia walk into class, they are greeted by an object that feels both ancient and cutting-edge: a 3D-printed replica of a 3,000-year-old Chinese oracle bone. What they may not realize is the complex and fascinating journey that brought this piece into their classroom, a story of international collaboration, digital preservation, and creative craftsmanship.

The 3D-printed replica.

From Oracle to Object

Using open-access scans from the Cambridge University Library, and with permission from Professor Dominic Powlesland, who co-holds copyright with Cambridge, the team downloaded and processed a high-resolution 3D model of Oracle Bone CUL.52.

“We don’t have any oracle bones on campus, and it wouldn’t be ethical to acquire one. But thanks to digital tools and Cambridge’s generosity, we can still bring one into students’ hands,” said Anne Peale.

3D print ready for resin.

The etchings after resin.

From Data to Artifact

The project’s journey from digital file to physical artifact unfolded in several stages:

• January 30, 2023: STL files arrived from Cambridge.
• February 1: The first prototype was printed using FDM (fused deposition modeling).
• February 7: A final resin print was scheduled, scaled to preserve the original details.
• March 16: Print studio technician Javier Robelo applied etching ink, transforming the object’s surface from shiny resin to an aged, textured finish.

“To my eyes, the etching ink transformed the resin print into something that feels older and more authentic,” said David Keiser-Clark.

Ink covered 3D print.

Ink resin used to age the 3D print.

A Teaching Tool with Character

Javier Robelo (Print Studio Technician) added water soluble etching ink to the resin print, then wiped it off using tarlatan wiping fabric. This process allows only the ink within the crevices to remain and that greatly the enhances visible contrast of the 3,000 year old markings.

By late March, the project reached completion. Both Peale and Mumtaz were impressed by how the replica captured the visual depth and tactile quality of the original oracle bones.

“WOW, what a transformation! I can’t believe how much more visible the characters have become. May I share this with Dominic at Oxford?” wrote Peale in response to the final version.

“It is really looking like the real deal now! We would be delighted to teach with this,” added Mumtaz.

Acknowledging the Origins

This project would not have been possible without the digital preservation work of Cambridge University Library and Professor Dominic Powlesland. All future educational materials will include the following acknowledgment:

Oracle Bone, CUL.52. With thanks to Cambridge University Library and Professor Dominic Powlesland for making these scans available for research and teaching.

What’s Next

A second resin print, featuring the same inked detailing, will be produced as a gift for Professor Powlesland. The team is also exploring new materials and inking techniques to enhance texture and durability. The replica will continue to be a highlight of ARTH 325: The Arts of the Book in Asia, giving students a tangible connection to early Chinese history and script. Through this collaboration, ancient writing and modern technology meet in a way that deepens understanding and preserves cultural heritage.