Diversified manufacturing processes and multiple mineral sources:Features of Warring States bronze vessels excavated from Chutai Cemetery M1,Anhui Province

Northern Anhui was an important region for diverse bronze culture convergence and extensive metal resource circulation in the Pre-Qin Period.In this paper,metallographic microstructure analysis,chemical composition analysis,and lead isotope ratio analysis were conducted on 12 samples of 6 Warring States Period(476–221 BCE)bronze vessels excavated from Chutai Cemetery M1,Fuyang,Anhui Province,revealing the integrated application of diversified manufacturing processes,such as casting,forging,cold working,and welding and multiple metal minerals.The analytical results showed that 2 Ding vessels(鼎)were made by casting,and 2 He vessels(盒)and 2 Dui vessels(敦)were made by forging followed by cold working.These two types of bronze vessels made by different manufacturing processes have significantly distinct alloy ratios and mineral sources,among which the Cu and Sn contents of the 2 cast bronze vessels are lower and the Pb content is higher,while the Cu and Sn contents of the 4 forged bronze vessels are higher and the Pb content is lower.The lead minerals of the two types of bronze vessels might come from Western Henan and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,respectively.In addition,the 3 pieces of solder used to weld bronze vessels were all made of pure Sn,their metal minerals should come from the densely distributed area of tin ore in Southern China,and Sn solders were mainly discovered in the Chu culture area during the Eastern Zhou Period.

Determining Foundry Area of Bronze Vessel Using REE in Clay Mould Residues

The composition of casting clay core might provide clue to the foundry area of the bronze vessels. REE analysis of the residual clay mould was conducted by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer （ICP-AES）. Results reveal that characteristic of REE of clay mould from different region is dissimilar. It is feasible to restrict the possible foundry area of the bronze vessels on the basis of analysis of REE of clay mould residues on the bronzes. Meanwhile, this paper attempts to determine the foundry area of the bronze vessels unearthed at Jiuliandun tombs of Chu State, dated back to Warring States Period, in Zaoyang City, Hubei Province, and at Zuozhong cemetery, Spring and Autumn Period, in Jingmen City, Hubei Province. REE of clay core provides information on the foundry area of bronze vessels.

Bronze Vessel with Silkworm Motif

This artifact was a kind of sacrificial vessel used during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Most patterns found on these pieces are the fierce and formidable faces of beasts or mysterious dragons, tigers and phoenixes. Rut the pattern on this vessel illustrates the life of a mulberry field.

Bronze Vessel with Loop Handles

In 1973, six pieces of bronzeware were unearthed from the No.2 vault in Beidong Village, Liaoning Province. Among them is this four legged vessel with straight loop handles. It is 51.7 cm in height, 40.7 cm in length and 30.7 cm in width. The body of the vessel is patterned with dragon and door-nail designs. The legs are decorated with the faces of wild beasts. Inside the vessel is a 28-character inscription, praising a woman official. The woman, according to experts, was a military leader and was often awarded by the King of Shang. We can see that the slave society of the Shang Dynasty maintained some aspects of the ancient matriarchal society.