Abstract: A method of perceptual 3-dimensional (3D) shape description and a method and apparatus for searching a perceptual 3D graphics model database established using the description method are provided. The description method includes: generating nodes that respectively correspond to parts of a part-based representation of a 3D shape model, the nodes including unary attributes of the parts; generating edges that include relational attributes between the nodes; and generating an attributed relational graph of the 3D shape model that is comprised of the nodes and the edges. The search method includes: receiving a predetermined 3D graphics model; transforming the received 3D graphics model into a perceptual 3D shape descriptor; and comparing the perceptual 3D shape descriptor with each of the perceptual 3D graphics models stored in the database to retrieve the 3D graphic models that are similar to the perceptual 3D shape descriptor.