SAmurai Museum Berlin
As part of a pilot project with the Samurai Museum Berlin, Verus Digital was invited to explore how 3D digitization can enhance the museum’s already cutting-edge approach to cultural storytelling. With its impressive blend of historical artifacts and interactive technology, the museum offers one of the most immersive journeys into samurai culture outside of Japan.
To support this mission, we used CultArm3D to autonomously digitize a curated selection of armor, masks, swords, and fittings from their world-renowned collection. These high-resolution 3D models not only preserve the objects in striking detail, but due to the consistency of the results also open up new possibilities for education, research, and interactive visitor experiences — both onsite and online.
Oni Sculpture
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Muromachi period (1392-1573)
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This carved and once painted wooden Oni figure depicts a fearsome demon from Japanese folklore. Oni are considered man-eating creatures, often armed with a club. Their origins date back to the 12th century, where their appearance was probably influenced by the figure of a thunder god.
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Optimized Model
Geometry: 100k Polygons
Texture Resolution: 8K
File Size: 11MB
Koshirae
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late Edo period (1810-1868)
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This wakizashi-koshirae (short sword mounting) features a ribbed scabbard with a nashi-ji surface and birds painted in gold lacquer. Birds and millet ears are also depicted on the other decorative elements, the fittings and the knife handle.
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Optimized Model
Geometry: 100k Polygons
Texture Resolution: 8K
File Size: 13MB
Kawari-Kabuto (*HQ)
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Edo period (1603-1868)
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This kabuto, a samurai helmet, was designed in the abstract shape of a fox. The unusual design was modelled onto a simple helmet bowl using iron plates. Leather or papier-mâché are also often used for such unusual helmet shapes. The symbol on the visor is associated with the Kōno family.
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Optimized Model
Geometry: 100k Polygons
Texture Resolution: 8K
File Size: 32MB
Menpō with Kirigane (*HQ)
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middle Edo period (18th century)
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The russet iron surface of this half mask (menpō) is decorated with fine, engraved lines and with kirigane (cut metal) decorations in the shape of plum branches. The mask is signed by Mitsushige, an armourer from Kanazawa in Kaga Province from the Unkai school, which is famous for their delicate metal cut-outs.
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Optimized Model
Geometry: 100k Polygons
Texture Resolution: 8K
File Size: 70MB
tsuba with Relief
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late Edo period (1850-1868)
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This tsuba, which is used to protect the hand on a Japanese sword, depicts a fox with a demon in a relief. It was made of brass by Garyūken Toshiyoshi, an artist who lived in Nara at the end of the Edo period.
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Optimized Model
Geometry: 100k Polygons
Texture Resolution: 4K
File Size: 8MB
Kaboshi-Kabuto (*HQ)
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End of 17th century
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This helmet, crafted by Saotome Iehisa from Hitachi Province, features 76 overlapping, slightly convex-shaped plates, giving it a particularly robust construction that could withstand bladed weapons and bullets. The visor bears the names of five deities, presumably intended to protect the wearer.
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Optimized Model
Geometry: 200k Polygons
Texture Resolution: 8K
File Size: 62MB
Sōmen with beak
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Edo period (1603-1868)
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This full-face mask (sōmen) was made of iron and has a slightly hooked beak of a Japanese kite (tobi). Full-face armour masks were rarely used in actual warfare, as they limited the wearer's vision and restricted breathing. They were therefore mainly used for representation purposes.
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Optimized Model
Geometry: 100k Polygons
Texture Resolution: 4K
File Size: 10MB
Tsuba with Dragon
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late Edo period (1850-1868)
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This tsuba (sword guard) is made of shakudō (gold-copper alloy) and depicts a dragon surrounded by clouds, holding a jewel in its claws, which, like other parts of the dragon, is decorated with gold. It was produced by Sōheishi Nyūdō Sōten.
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Optimized Model
Geometry: 100k Polygons
Texture Resolution: 4K
File Size: 12MB
Models optimized with
Augmented Reality supported on mobile devices with AR-ready browsers, including Chrome, Safari, Edge and others.
*Some models on this page have been made available in high quality (HQ) and require a fast internet connection as well as a powerful output device!
About the Museum
The Samurai Museum houses one of the largest private collections of authentic samurai artefacts worldwide.
Historitcal objects and multimedia installations lead visitors on an interactive journey of discovery into the world of the samurai on a museum parcours spread over 1,500 square metres. For centuries, the samurai shaped the history of Japan, both on the battlefield and at the imperial court. In the permanent exhibition, over 1,000 objects bring the way of life, art and traditions of feudal Japan to life. Interactive installations, touchscreens, gigapixel images, CT scans, and rotating display cases, offer unique insights into the extraordinary artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Not only armour and weapons, but also decorative sword fittings, woodblock prints, sculptures, and tea utensils illuminate cultural influences of the samurai that continue to this day.
Temporary exhibitions bridge the gap to the present and explore the influence of the samurai on contemporary culture, both in and outside Japan. The Samurai Museum Berlin is designed as a space open to all, encouraging unexpected discoveries and cross-cultural encounters.