NFT Digital Twins: A Digitalization Strategy to Preserve and Sustain Miao Silver Craftsmanship in the Metaverse Era
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The manuscript is interesting and it deals with an innovative topic. I suggest the publication after a minor revision regarding two points:
1) English revision
2) Structure of the paper: people does not know what Miao Silver is: I strongly suggest to introduce fristly this using the pictures that are shown too much later in the text. After the presentation of such object, the innovative side, the NFT and the digital twins can be discussed.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 1 Comments
Overall Comment: The manuscript is interesting and it deals with an innovative topic. I suggest the publication after a minor revision regarding two points:
Point 1: English revision
Response 1: Thank you! It is a great honour that you gave an overall positive comment on this paper. As you suggested, proofreading and English editing have been updated in the new manuscript.
Point 2: Structure of the paper: people does not know what Miao Silver is: I strongly suggest to introduce fristly this using the pictures that are shown too much later in the text. After the presentation of such object, the innovative side, the NFT and the digital twins can be discussed.
Response 2: Yes, thanks for pointing this out. As a Chinses heritage, Miao Silver is niche and little-known on a global scale, so I totally agree that there should be more pre-introduction of the Miao Silver with pictures. Please see new-added Figures 1-3 in paragraph 2.1.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
The study is correct in its approach and serious from a methodological point of view. Its limitations are well exposed and recognized in advance by the authors in the conclusions section and, therefore, are not an impediment to recognizing the value of this paper.
As mentioned in section “2.2.Defining a Metaverse for Sustaining Intangible Cultural Heritage, lines 134 to 136, The digitalisation of cultural heritage has the utility of improving the protection, conservation, restoration, research, dissemination and promotion of diverse cultural heritages.
However, the paper leaves us with a basic question that is not discussed. This is how new 3D modelling technologies affect our notion of intangible cultural heritage. Usually, the process of digitization of cultural heritage is based on the digital scanning of original artefacts. However, in this work, the digital models, although inspired by traditional iconography, are built from zero. In addition, as noted in the document, section 5.3 “Potential Meta Applications and Future Fashion” line 535, they are likely to acquire new functions.
So the question could be:
What will remain of the specificity of this intangible cultural heritage if it is finally integrated into the new logic of the Metaverse? The question could be asked in another way
Are the aesthetic and cultural values, inherent to a centuries-old craft practice, transferable through digital production and distribution?
Author Response
Thank you for your comments. Firstly, I really appreciate that you review this paper in-depth and I am sincerely glad to receive your affirmation of the study approach. Then I would like to discuss the different choices between 3D modelling and digital scanning technologies. As you mentioned, I agree that the typical way of conserving cultural heritage is to use digital scanning to copy and record the original status (even including every little scratch on the surface) of the heritage as much as possible, which is a straightforward approach to get authentic materials and access to processing further analysis, like a "digital fossil". In my opinion, the scanning method is more suitable for single and unrepeatable cultural heritage because of its uniqueness (such as Notre Dame, which was partly destroyed by fire). But the problem Miao Silver is now facing is not the scarcity of Miao Silver crafts, but the interruption of its craftsmanship inheritance and the reduction of market acceptance (indicated in paragraph 4. Local investigation). Therefore, no matter whether scanning or modelling from zero should serve its economic value, cultural identity and innovation to enhance the vitality of the inheritance of Miao Silver, and digital scanning technology require more hardware that is not that easily accessible. So that is why scanning is not the first choice when doing digitalization experiments in Miao Silver protection. Still, I don’t deny the value of digital scanning technology would contribute to cultural heritage protection, especially on a massive scale. If possible, I will be happy to combine scanning and modelling technologies together and seek a higher-efficient plan for the future preservation of craftsmanship.
Based on the previous explanation, I would respond to the questions. I think there are still two remained specificities of digitalized Miao Silver under the Metaverse context. From aesthetic/crafting perspectives, we still insist on keeping authentic Miao patterns, traditional Miao decorative styles, and superb Miao silver-making techniques via 3D modelling means. In the process of disassembling, analyzing and reconstructing the existing Miao silver handicraft structure (shown in paragraph 5.1 and Figure 10), the 3D technologist’s work could be described as “digital-handamade” (Lucy Johnston, 2015), which actually sustains and pratices the traditional Miao Silver craftsmenship by digital means. And it is also a reflection of how intangible cultural heritage adapted with the development of present productivity levels in changing eras. From the cultural perspective, the digitalized Miao Silver still plays a role as a typical cultural symbol of Miao ethnicity, conveying subtle cultural implications to younger generations. The yearning for a better life and the respect for the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature behind it will not disappear because of its existing form changing from entity to virtual.
The aim of protecting Miao Silver is to inherit and sustain its intangible craftsmanship embodied in the beautiful ornaments instead of only preserving solid items. Therefore, the criterion for inheriting its success lies in whether we have found the "soil" and "innovation model" suitable for the development of Miao Silver in the new digital era. This is not only about whether more and more Miao Silver crafts have been copied or restored, but more about whether its recognition among the young generation has been improved, whether it adapts to new ways of wearing suitable for present society, whether more silversmiths have well-paid due to their hard works, and whether more youngers have been inspired to participate in the practices of this heritage. Therefore, I think my study approach is more about building a “soil” by using a digitalization strategy under the metaverse era instead of simply carrying the item from entity to virtual.
Last, I would appreciate again to your comments. To avoid potential misunderstanding in the future, I have added relative explanations aiming at the issues you have raised to paragraph 6, and I hope my response makes sense.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
This paper envisions the use of NFT to create a digital twin for handcraft (artisan) artifact with reference to the Miao Silver in China.
The idea is valuable and suits with the future trend that would eventually involve new habits in the Metaverse.
I like the reading and below you can find some comment to improve the quality of the manuscript.
Introduction:
- It fails in describing the aim of the research proposed in the paper and the final objective.
Authors should include a couple of paragraphs to describe what is the content of the following research, what in synthesis they are proposing.
By doing that authors should mention some other research paper in the same area, whether applicable, or taking inspiration from others in order to reinforce the argument around the use of the blockchain technology which - is supposed - to grow in the near future and explain further implications of such solutions.
For instance I can suggest the following references:
1) Gebreab, S. A., Hasan, H. R., Salah, K., & Jayaraman, R. (2022). NFT-Based Traceability and Ownership Management of Medical Devices. IEEE Access, 10, 126394-126411.
2) Chiacchio, F., D’Urso, D., Oliveri, L. M., Spitaleri, A., Spampinato, C., & Giordano, D. (2022). A non-fungible token solution for the track and trace of pharmaceutical supply chain. Applied Sciences, 12(8), 4019.
3) de Sousa, F. M. (2022). Token-Art System and the New International Art Market: The impacts of NFT technology and the legal aspects involved. Journal of Law, Market & Innovation, 1(1), 97-115.
- Moreover a final paragraph listing the structure of the paper is desirable (e.g. In section 2 the Literature Review about....is described, etc.)
-- Section 2:
- Also in this section, I expected to find in the 2.2 or 2.3 a paragraph with references of other manuscripts that have applied in the art or in other relevant fields the NFT technology to fight the counterfeit process. But authors did not stress this crucial element of the research background that they are investigating.
Please mitigate this issue adding the references (see also my suggestions above) or others and please explain in what your proposal would differ from others
-- Section 4:
- Row 379: the sentence in incomplete. Please reprhase correctly
-- Section 5:
- Rows 530: There is a mistake in the conversion of the 0.03 Eth in $. At the current average price 0.03 sums up to around 60$. Nevertheless I would not stick on the actual conversion but I would eventually discuss the issue linked with the Ethereum network and cost fees.
- Moreover a paragraph discussing other Blockchain technologies would be valuable to show that the minting process can be cheaper.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 3 Comments
Overall Comment: This paper envisions the use of NFT to create a digital twin for handcraft (artisan) artifact with reference to the Miao Silver in China. The idea is valuable and suits with the future trend that would eventually involve new habits in the Metaverse. I like the reading and below you can find some comment to improve the quality of the manuscript.
Overall response: Thank you very much for your affirmation of this paper's research topic and values. I am grateful that you reviewed it in-depth and provided so many precious suggestions.
Point 1: (Introduction) It fails in describing the aim of the research proposed in the paper and the final objective.
Authors should include a couple of paragraphs to describe what is the content of the following research, what in synthesis they are proposing. By doing that authors should mention some other research paper in the same area, whether applicable, or taking inspiration from others in order to reinforce the argument around the use of the blockchain technology which - is supposed - to grow in the near future and explain further implications of such solutions.
For instance I can suggest the following references:
1) Gebreab, S. A., Hasan, H. R., Salah, K., & Jayaraman, R. (2022). NFT-Based Traceability and Ownership Management of Medical Devices. IEEE Access, 10, 126394-126411.
2) Chiacchio, F., D’Urso, D., Oliveri, L. M., Spitaleri, A., Spampinato, C., & Giordano, D. (2022). A non-fungible token solution for the track and trace of pharmaceutical supply chain. Applied Sciences, 12(8), 4019.
3) de Sousa, F. M. (2022). Token-Art System and the New International Art Market: The impacts of NFT technology and the legal aspects involved. Journal of Law, Market & Innovation, 1(1), 97-115.
- Moreover a final paragraph listing the structure of the paper is desirable (e.g. In section 2 the Literature Review about....is described, etc.)
Response 1: Thanks for pointing this out and kindly listing these references for me. Firstly I agree that the structure of the Introduction part could be enriched with sub-paragraphs, which will be easier for the reader to catch key information. So an adjustment to the Introduction part has been made; please see newly added sub-paragraphs (1.1. & 1.2.) in the updated manuscript. Besides, I reviewed the references you mentioned above and properly cited them in these paragraphs, demonstrating a more rigorous research strategy and sufficient background research.
Point 2: (Section 2) Also in this section, I expected to find in the 2.2 or 2.3 a paragraph with references of other manuscripts that have applied in the art or in other relevant fields the NFT technology to fight the counterfeit process. But authors did not stress this crucial element of the research background that they are investigating.
Please mitigate this issue adding the references (see also my suggestions above) or others and please explain in what your proposal would differ from others
Response 2: Indeed, the application of NFT digital twins in this study can help Miao silversmiths protect their intellectual property rights and prevent the occurrence of plagiarism on the other hand. I think the reviewer raised a very important point that was ignored in the first edition of the manuscript. So I added the discussion and explanation on this issue in chapter 2.3 (Row 239 - Row 251), which can positively reflect the positive role of NFT in the practice of protecting cultural heritage.
Point 3: (Section 4) Row 379: the sentence in incomplete. Please reprhase correctly
Response 3: Please see the rephrased sentence in Row 417.
Point 4: (Section 5) Rows 530: There is a mistake in the conversion of the 0.03 Eth in $. At the current average price 0.03 sums up to around 60$. Nevertheless I would not stick on the actual conversion but I would eventually discuss the issue linked with the Ethereum network and cost fees.
Moreover a paragraph discussing other Blockchain technologies would be valuable to show that the minting process can be cheaper.
Response 4: Thanks for pointing out the mistake of Eth conversion price and it is corrected now (seen in Row 568). In addition, I have added more paragraphs from Row573-Row587 discussing relevant cost fees, such as the minting fee, and discussing potential solutions to reduce the cost fees in practice.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 3 Report
authors have addressed my comments.
thank you for your work
