Releasing the Spirit of Kyoto

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HP is working with the Kyoto International Culture Foundation (KICF) to preserve treasures of the Kyoto region by using the latest digital technology. This program will allow the KICF to store and preserve the original artwork for future generations while using the digitally-created fine art reproductions to share their rich cultural heritage with the approximately 40 million visitors who travel to this UN-designated World Heritage Site every year.

March 1, 2006 — HP and the Kyoto International Culture Foundation (KICF) today announced a program to preserve a critical element of Japan’s heritage through the digital reproduction of fine art from 3,500 temples and shrines, created between the 13th to 17th centuries. The original paintings have been deteriorating due to the effects of time, climate and air pollution and were in danger of being lost forever. The KICF chose HP for the Kyoto Digital Archive Project because of the company’s ability to provide a complete fine art reproduction solution including very high-quality large format printers together with powerful IT resources for long term secure storage.