Computer-based methods aid in identification, classification, and reconstruction of ancient artifacts. A recent review paper outlines the strengths and weaknesses of current state-of-the-art computer-based methods for analyzing archaeological pottery.
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As new analysis methods are developed and refined, researchers can illuminate the science behind past techniques that were designed through trial and error. A group led by researchers from the California Institute of Technology used advanced analytical techniques to show how nanoscale engineering gave a historic purple overglaze its distinctive iridescence.
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Hyperspectral imaging has gained much attention in the field of cultural heritage, but there are difficulties using it outdoors due to ever-changing levels of light. Researchers looked to overcome this limitation by developing a calibration method that can account for and eliminate variations in illumination.
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The Russian invasion of Ukraine is contributing to an ongoing surge in fuel prices that has greatly affected numerous European industries since last fall. Last November we reported on challenges faced by the ceramics industry, and today we look at the struggles of Venice glassblowers to keep their centuries-old tradition alive.
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Historical research on the trade of metal supplies and objects often overshadows studies on the practices, recipes, and supplies of clays used by metallurgists of the time. Researchers in Belgium and France characterized metallurgical ceramic samples from the remains of a Late Medieval Period foundry in Brussels and found the analyses, in conjunction with written sources, highlight the mobility of clay materials, not just metal.
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Two Temple Place in London is holding a special exhibition on Black women artists working in clay, with a central focus on Nigerian potter Ladi Kwali. Learn about Kwali’s life and her seminal work in blending traditional African pottery with Western studio pottery techniques.
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Ducks are the unofficial mascot of small-town Yardley, Pa. A local nonprofit recently launched a new project involving fiberglass ducks to promote the town.
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Advancement of machine learning techniques has significantly improved the performance of automatic image understanding. Two researchers in Iran developed a deep learning method to help restore motifs on ancient Persian pottery.
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Looking for ways to spruce up your holiday decorations? Learn the history behind the vintage ceramic Christmas trees of the mid-20th century and things to consider when purchasing one of your own.
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There are relatively few examples of successful recovery and identification of archeological protein residues from ceramic artifacts. Researchers led by the University of Catania in Italy looked to advance the application of proteomics to ancient ceramics by investigating prehistoric pottery from the Maltese Bronze/Iron Age site of il-Qlejgħa tal-Baħrija.
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