Scientific research on gold-decoration techniques of Warring States bronze chime bells in Sichuan Museum
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(1. Sichuan Museum, Chengdu 610071, China;2. State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing (Northwestern Polytechnical University), Xi’an 710072, China)

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    Abstract:

    The morphological structure, composition and technical characteristics of the gold-inlaid decorative patterns on Warring States bronze chime bells collected in Sichuan Museum were investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and non-destructive X-ray detection, etc. Analysis of the morphological characteristics revealed obvious grooves on the surface of the chimes, which were filled with gold wires. Gaps were identified on the surface of gold wires, some of which showed smear marks and edge sagging marks. In addition, gold particles were found on the substrate near ornamentation. No processing traces such as beating or cutting were identified on the surface of gold wires, indicating a significant difference between the gold wire decorating the chimes and that used in the traditional inlaying process. The results of gold wire composition analysis indicated that the Au content was greater than 91.6%, Ag 1.0%~4.0% and Hg 0.5%~6.0%. In addition, a large number of pore structures can be seen in the sections of the gold wires. On the basis of the morphological characteristics and composition of the gold wires, it was speculated that the chime was decorated using a gilding technique, and the purpose of the groove was to improve the adhesion of the gilding. This work not only provides valuable data in support of the study of bronze decoration crafts in Bashu area but also provides important physical materials for the study of ancient bronze decoration crafts in China.

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History
  • Received:August 10,2021
  • Revised:October 22,2021
  • Adopted:
  • Online: January 05,2023
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