Cover image for Metalworking technology and deterioration of Jin bronzes from the Tianma-Qucun site, Shanxi, China.
Metalworking technology and deterioration of Jin bronzes from the Tianma-Qucun site, Shanxi, China.
Title:
Metalworking technology and deterioration of Jin bronzes from the Tianma-Qucun site, Shanxi, China.
Author:
Wang, Quanyu.
ISBN:
9781339552224
Personal Author:
Publication Information:
Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, 2000
Physical Description:
1 online resource (556 p.)
General Note:
Source: Dissertations Abstracts International, Volume: 78-11, Section: C.
Publisher info.: Dissertation/Thesis.
Abstract:
The subject of this research project is the technical study of excavated bronze fragments from the Tianma-Qucun site. This site is located in southwest Shanxi province, China. It was identified as an early capital of the Jin state in the periods of the Western Zhou and early Spring and Autumn, i.e. 1027-650 BC. This study aims to provide new metallurgical data on Jin bronzes, specifically on casting techniques and the deterioration of these bronzes in their burial environment. Corrosion study helps guide investigative cleaning and conservation treatments of these bronze objects. Comparing the bronzes from the elite tombs with those from other tombs reveals social differences within the Jin culture. Forty-seven bronze fragments have been sampled for technical study. Both metal and corrosion products have been examined to characterise casting techniques and corrosion. Six soil samples and two water samples from this site have also been analysed for preliminary evaluation of burial environment conditions. The analytical techniques used in this research include metallography, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, X- ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. All analysed objects were cast, of which 45 are tin bronzes, two unalloyed copper, one tin, and one lead. Objects from the elite tombs are mainly binary alloys, while most objects from other tombs are leaded bronzes. The degree of corrosion varies among these samples; most are severely corroded. Objects from the elite tombs were better preserved than those from other tombs. The burial conditions were slightly alkaline. No evidence of artificial patination has been observed. Malachite, cuprite, azurite and cerussite are the most common corrosion products. A sulphur- rich passivating black layer is frequently present in the surface corrosion. Redeposited copper is also very common. Nantokite has been observed on a few samples although chlorides have rarely been seen. Most of these objects should remain stable under recommend relative humidity storage conditions.
Local Note:
School code: 6022.
Subject Term:
Electronic Access:
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Thesis Note:
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of London, University College London (United Kingdom), 2000.
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