Potential resolution

[Morten]

Well, according to the paper I linked earlier you don't need the extremely complicated 3d-microstructure of a butterfly-wing to achieve at least some coloring effects, simple round dimples or squares/hexagons with diameters and depths of a couple of microns should do it. Perhaps the code that generates the "in between" layers talked about in the last update could be utilized to generate very thin lines in e.g a vase and form a diffraction grating that turns it deep blue or whatever. If control over micrometer features are possible you could map a bitmap to the vase and have ridiculously high-res full-colour printing on it. Not to mention all the iridescence effects possible (use the alpha-chanel of said bitmap to control shininess/sparkles!).