Conceptual model construction for the A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings based on metadata and ontology

Chinese paintings, as treasures of traditional culture, embody the historical depth and artistic heritage of Chinese civilization. To support digital management of A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings (CCACP), this study constructs an ontological conceptual model integrating metadata and ontology. CCACP metadata were modeled to refine its structure and align with standards such as CIDOC CRM, CDWA, and China’s Metadata Standard for Painting Cultural Relics. Using Protégé and the Seven-Step Method, an ontology of 60 classes and properties was developed. A knowledge graph based on Wang Ximeng’s A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains tested its consistency and revealed embedded knowledge associations. The model demonstrates value for collection management, knowledge sharing, and academic research, providing a practical foundation for CCACP’s digital management and advancing digital humanities and cultural heritage research.