Tin‐Rich Surface Decoration of Chinese Bronzes: A Case Study of the British Museum Collection

In this paper six bronze artefacts of the Eastern Zhou period to Han dynasty (770 BC ‐ 220 AD) with tin‐rich surface decoration in the British Museum collection were studied using a variety of analytical techniques. The decoration patterns include trellis patterns (菱形纹) on two swords of the Yue state, tiger's striped patterns (hu‐ban‐wen, 虎斑纹) on two swords from the Ba‐Shu region, a hexagonal star pattern (六角星纹) on a spearhead of the Wu state, and a cloud‐like pattern on a garment hook. The tin‐rich decorations on those objects were produced by deliberate tinning processes; at least three different tinning techniques were used, including the use of tin‐rich pastes for the trellis pattern of a Yue state sword and for the mottling decoration on the Ba‐Shu swords, amalgam tinning for the hexagonal star pattern on the spearhead of the Yue state, and hot tinning for the cloud‐like pattern of the garment hook. Different tinning techniques could have been applied to produce similar tin‐rich decoration patterns, and vice versa, a single tinning technique could have been used to produce different tin‐rich patterns on different objects.     

RESEARCH ON THE PIGMENTS FROM PAINTED CERAMICS EXCAVATED FROM THE YANGQIAOPAN TOMBS OF THE LATE HAN DYNASTY (48 BC – AD 25)

The analysis of pigments on painted ceramics excavated from the Yangqiaopan Tombs of the late Western Han Dynasty was undertaken using optical microscopy (OM), micro‐Raman spectroscopy (μ‐RS), scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM–EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy spectra (FTIR). The pigments were identified as red lead (Pb₃O₄), carbon (C), malachite [Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂], Chinese purple (BaCuSi₂O₆) and illite {[K,H₃O]Al₂Si₃AlO₁₀(OH)₂}. Fibrous materials were observed in some pigment samples. When observed by SEM, one showed a large amount of fibre in solidified gum, which indicated that gum of ramie could have been used as the binding medium to make the pigment particles adhere together. These results provide significant insights into the characteristics of these pigments in the Qin and Han Dynasties.     

Microstructural and Componential Characterization of the Plating Technology on Chinese Han Dynasty Bronze Fragments

The bronze wares of the Han Dynasty excavated in Chongqing are decorated with plating patterns, maintaining an exquisite lustre right up to modern times after the covering patina is cleared away. In this paper, a plated fragment of the Han Dynasty from the Wushan County Museum was characterized by combining optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with X‐ray energy‐dispersive spectrometry (SEM–EDS), X‐ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the bronze fragment was gilded with a ~ 3 μm thick gilded layer and a ~ 20 μm thick silvered layer. The high concentration of Hg and Hg‐rich intermetallic compounds confirmed the existence of mercury gilding/silvering technology, for example, Au₉Hg in the gilded layer and Ag₁₃Hg₇ in the silvered layer. An ordered stripe structure was observed in the gilded surface, corresponding to the formation of rod‐like, intermetallic Au–Hg compounds. Specifically, a high concentration of Au was detected in the silvered layer. The exploration of gilded/silvered bronze casts light on this ancient technology and the benefit of identifying, protecting and reproducing it.     

THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BLUE PIGMENT ON CHINESE BLUE‐AND‐WHITE PORCELAIN OF THE YUAN AND MING DYNASTIES (ad 1271–1644)*

The chemical compositions of the glazes and pigments of 39 blue‐and‐white porcelains of Ming Dynasty date and three of Yuan date were examined by SR‐XRF. Both the analysis of the Fe/Mn ratio in the light blue areas of the glaze and a comparison of the Fe/Mn values between light blue, dark blue and clear glaze areas reveals that the samples can be divided into three groups. The results indicate that there are two significant changes of provenance of blue pigment during the Ming Dynasty and that some kinds of pigment were most probably imported from the Middle East. Considering literature records and other scholars’ studies, an outline picture of the pigment used on Chinese blue‐and‐white porcelain produced in Jingdezhen in the Yuan and Ming Dynasties is presented.     

Compositional Analysis of Ceramics from Goguryeo Fortified Sites in Central Korea

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether the ceramics from the Goguryeo fortified sites of the Han River region in central Korea were manufactured and consumed locally during the southern expansion of the Goguryeo State (475–551 ce ). For this research, 88 ceramic samples from seven contemporary sites in the southern territories of Goguryeo were sampled and analysed by ceramic thin‐section petrography and neutron activation analysis (NAA). In addition, to establish a possible chemical fingerprint at Hongryeonbong Fort 2, five clay specimens were also gathered and analysed from the pottery firing structure. The results of this analytical study indicate that the majority of the ceramics from the Goguryeo fortified sites of central Korea were produced and circulated within this newly acquired region. In addition, it is highly probable that Hongryeonbong Fort, which contains the remains of what may be ceramic firing architecture, is the place of production for the ceramics.     

A STUDY OF ANCIENT CHINESE PORCELAIN WARES OF THE SONG‐YUAN DYNASTIES FROM CIZHOU AND DING KILNS WITH ENERGY DISPERSIVE X‐RAY FLUORESCENCE*

Multi‐variable statistical analysis based on energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence measurements on both porcelain body and glaze is employed to give clear and consistent classification of porcelain sherds from northern China of different styles from the Song‐Yuan dynasties (Ding and Cizhou styles), and also from the Sui‐Tang dynasties (Xing style). However, the observed separation is less clear for Cizhou style sherds produced at neighbouring kiln sites. Imitation Ding porcelain samples produced by ancient Cizhou potters are also analysed.     

钦安殿宝顶镀金技术研究

根据故宫古建大修计划,钦安殿宝顶需要重新加饰镀金层。故宫钦安殿宝顶在古代使用金汞剂“火镀金”工艺完成鎏金工作。由于此项技术在工作中会产生汞蒸汽,不但污染环境,还会使操作人员中毒。为此,在对钦安殿宝顶进行重新镀金时,选择电镀金技术中的碱性氰化镀金技术,在镀槽中利用转镀工艺等分别为宝顶各个构件进行镀金,组装后,重新安放回钦安殿顶部。研究表明,电镀技术完全可以取代传统的鎏金工艺。     

两件西汉时期鎏金与鎏银青铜器镀层中的金属化合物

采用金相显微分析、环境扫描电子显微镜、X-射线衍射、X-射线荧光对两件西汉时期的鎏金与鎏银青铜马镳进行了分析,揭示了西汉时期鎏金与鎏银青铜器的部分金相学特征和部分金属化合物,研究结果表明我国西汉时期已采用了金汞齐与银汞齐在铅锡铜合金表面火法鎏金和鎏银技术。     

The connectivity of pore space in mudstones: insights from high‐pressure Wood's metal injection,BIB‐SEM imaging,and mercury intrusion porosimetry

Study of the pore space in mudstones by mercury intrusion porosimetry is a common but indirect technique and it is not clear which part of the pore space is actually filled with mercury. We studied samples from the Opalinus Clay, Boom Clay, Haynesville Shale, and Bossier Shale Formations using Wood's metal injection at 316 MPa, followed by novel ion beam polishing and high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy. This method allowed us to analyze at high resolution which parts of a rock are intruded by the liquid alloy at mm to cm scale. Results from the Opalinus Clay and Haynesville Shale show Wood's Metal in cracks, but the majority of the pore space is not filled although mercury intrusion data suggests that this is the case. In the silt‐rich Boom Clay sample, the majority of the pore space was filled Wood's metal, with unfilled islands of smaller pores. Bossier Shale shows heterogeneous impregnation with local filling of pores as small as 10 nm. We infer that mercury intrusion data from these samples is partly due to crack filling and compression of the sample. This compaction is caused by effective stress developed by mercury pressure and capillary resistance; it can close small pore throats, prevent injection of the liquid metal, and indicate an apparent porosity. Our results suggest that many published MIP data on mudstones could contain serious artifacts and reliable metal intrusion porosimetry requires a demonstration that the metal has entered the pores, for example by Wood's metal injection, broad ion beam polishing, and scanning electron microscopy.     

Evidence of Metallic Plating on Archaeological Artefacts by Voltammetry of Microparticles

Voltammetry of microparticles using a paraffin‐impregnated graphite electrode (VMP/PIGE) was applied as a very local and non‐invasive analytical technique in order to investigate the presence of remains of metallic plating on two ferrous and one cuprous artefact from the medieval period. The analyses have been performed locally and selectively on regions presenting particular features, such as texture, cohesion and colour differences. The results confirm local differences in chemical composition, leading to conclusions about the presence of metallic plating on these artefacts.     

From ‘Problem City’ to ‘Promise City’: Gentrification and the Revitalisation of Newcastle

The city of Newcastle is a complex and changing landscape. Once regarded as Australia's ‘problem city’, Newcastle's identity is being significantly transformed. This identity transformation draws significantly upon the emergence of more cosmopolitan landscapes within inner Newcastle associated with the gentrification of these areas. The discourse of gentrification is inherently post‐industrial, providing a cleaner and more positive identity as Newcastle seeks to erase the stigma of its’ industrial heritage. However, as landscapes are the amalgam of multiple identities, Newcastle's industrial heritage periodically re‐emerges to problematise the city's newly adopted cosmopolitan identity.     

A comparative geochemical study of bituminous boat remains from H3, As-Sabiyah (Kuwait), and RJ-2, Ra's al-Jinz (Oman)

This paper presents a geochemical analysis of fragments of bituminous amalgam from H3, As‐Sabiyah (Kuwait), and RJ‐2, Ra's al‐Jinz (Oman). The fragments bear barnacles on one side and reed impressions on the other, and are thought to have been part of the coating of reed‐bundle boats. The material from H3 dates to between 5300–4900 BC, while that of RJ‐2 dates to 2500–2100 BC. Samples from both sites were geochemically compared to archaeological and ethnographic material from Kosak Shamali (northern Syria, c.5000–4400 BC), RH‐5 (Oman, 4400–3500 BC) and Baghdad (central Iraq, 1900 AD). The composition of the bituminous amalgams was studied in detail. Rock‐Eval Pyrolysis gave a measure of Total Organic Carbon in the samples, and allowed an initial comparison of the data sets using various parameters. Examination of the proportions of soluble and insoluble organic matter allowed an assessment of the quantity of vegetal matter added to the bitumen to make the bituminous amalgam. The composition of the Ra's al‐Jinz material was studied using X‐Ray Diffraction analysis and thin‐section petrography, in order to assess the proportions of various minerals in the bituminous amalgams. It was concluded that the recipe for the bituminous mixture used to coat reed‐bundle and wooden boats did not differ significantly from that commonly used to make ‘mortar’ for architectural purposes in Mesopotamia. Traces of animal fats or fish oils were not found in the analysed Ra's al‐Jinz material, in contrast to previous hypotheses regarding the composition of the mixture. Comparison of the gross composition of extractable organic matter (the constituents of pure bitumen, soluble in chloroform or dichloromethane) showed the progressive effects of weathering on the samples. The isotopic composition of the bituminous material from H3 and the other sites was then compared to that of bitumen seeps and crude oils from Mesopotamia, Iran and Oman. The most significant result is that the material from As‐Sabiyah originated in Kuwait, at a surface seep at Burgan, while the material from Ra's al‐Jinz had a source in northern Mesopotamia.     

The technology of early platinum plating: a gold mask of the La Tolita culture,Ecuador

A metallurgical study of platinum plating on a gold pendant of the La Tolita culture of northern Ecuador was carried out, using high‐magnification examination by scanning electron microscopy with analytical facilities. The plating layer was found to comprise a 25 µm thick foil of platinum grains sintered with a gold–silver alloy. The high silver content of this alloy suggests the deliberate selection of pale‐coloured, silver‐rich alluvial gold. The foil had been bonded on to the pre‐formed gold sheet by hammering and heating. It is postulated that a strip of gold sheet was plated by this method and that several pendants were cut from it.     

Studies on the Ground Layer of Lacquerwares from Between the Mid‐Warring States Period and the Mid‐Western Han Dynasty Unearthed in the Changsha Region

The Changsha region was an important place in China during the heyday of lacquerwares, from the Warring States Period to the Western Han Dynasty (476 bc – ad 9), when lacquerwares were used with varied styles and beautiful ornamentations. However, the process used to make lacquerware was previously unknown. By analysing samples of fragments of lacquerware found in the Changsha region dating back to between the Mid‐Warring States Period and the Mid‐Western Han Dynasty (390–87 bc ), this paper demonstrates the varied constitution of the ground layer by analysing the features of the technique using non‐destructive methods. It also shows that the use of potassium alum, gypsum, carbon and brochantite as fillers in the ground layer can be dated back to the Mid‐Warring States Period. Furthermore, a comparison of techniques for ground layers from the Changsha region and other areas in China during this period is proposed on this basis.     

北齐韩祖念墓出土鎏金铜器和金银器的无损检测研究

北齐韩祖念墓位于山西太原市北郊区小井峪乡小井峪村。太原市文物考古研究所对其进行发掘,共出土了22件鎏金铜器和金银器。利用无线显微镜、X射线荧光能谱仪等科技手段,对这些器物进行无损科学分析。研究结果表明,鎏金铜器均为铸造而成,然后采用金汞齐表面热处理,金银器在技术和风格上均受到了西域文化的影响。研究成果为全面了解北齐时期金属器制作技术的发展提供了重要的科学依据。     

中国古代朱砂的应用之调查

朱砂,化学成分为天然硫化汞（ＨｇＳ）。古代有丹砂等多种名称,它是我国古代各族人民最喜爱 的红色颜料和涂料,距今６０００多年,浙江余姚县河姆渡遗址中就有外涂朱砂的漆碗,此后,在江浙 一带的良渚文化、西北马家窑文化、四川广汉三星堆、河南殷虚等遗址都曾发现用朱砂涂染的装饰 品和尸骨。西周以来用途较广,秦汉时不仅大量用作颜料还用来炼制水银,北朝至清代全国各地的 壁画及其它彩绘艺术中都用朱砂做颜料。历代对朱砂做颜料的选择、加工制作也积累了不少经验。     

Was He Murdered Or Was He Not?—Part I: Analyses of Mercury in the Remains of Tycho Brahe

World‐renowned Renaissance astronomer Tycho Brahe died on 24 October 1601, after 11 days of illness. Several conspiracy theories regarding his death have been aired, the first shortly after his death by William Shakespeare in the play Hamlet, published in 1603. A key factor in the still lively debate is whether he was administered mercury—as medicine by his own hand, or as poison by an unfriendly hand. In 2010, Brahe's grave was reopened and samples of his bones, hair, teeth and the textiles were procured and analysed. Here, we present evidence that Brahe was not administered lethal doses of mercury.     

汉代铸造铸钱金属范之陶范的分析研究

汉代的铸钱遗址中出土了大量铸造铸钱金属范的阳文陶范,阳文陶范既反映出了铸造金属范时的铸型,又可看出所铸造的铸钱金属范的铸型.为揭示铸钱金属范的铸造工艺及变迁,本工作从铸造工艺角度对阳文陶范进行分析,通过对汉代阳文陶范出土概况的统计,了解了阳文陶范铸型的变迁.以西安相家巷和窝头寨铸钱遗址采集的阳文陶范为基础,对陶范的面层与背层进行了X射线荧光成分分析,在电子探针下对型腔面进行了形貌和成分分析.分析结果表明,阳文陶范分层制作的原因是为了将模上的钱币铭文和形状清晰地复印到陶范上,型腔面的检测不能表明是否使用了表面涂料.     

河西在汉代以前的文明形式

文章首先从地理的角度论证了河西的农业形式的文明只能从乌鞘岭东边传播过去。在这基础上,结合乌鞘岭东边农业形式的文明的发展历史,从新石器时期遗址分布的地理位置、气候变化的影响和地理环境对文化传播的影响等角度分析了河西新石器时期文化的可能性质,认为虽然有挟有那样生产技能的文化曾经传播到河西,但由于游牧社会生产方式的排斥影响,农业并没有得到发展,更没有进入农业社会。整个河西在汉代以前一直处于游牧社会,并发展着游牧文明。