Abstract:In July 2011, a huge coagulation was excavated from the Nan’ao Ⅰ shipwreck archaeological site. It was made up of stones, porcelains and iron, copper and wooden cultural objects. We carried out analyses, surface cleaning, overall circulating spray desalination, microbial control, local strengthening and exhibition stand manufacturing, etc., and then achieved overall conservation and exhibition of the coagulation. This study provides a successful reference case for the overall conservation of coagulations excavated from ocean.

Abstract:A great number of porcelains and some metalwares of the middle and late Tang Dynasty were archaeologically salvaged from the Batu Hitam shipwreck, providing important material evidence for the Maritime Silk Road. Through interpretation of the shapes, decorations and patterns of Changsha Kiln porcelains, Yue Kiln celadons, white porcelains, famille verte, gold and silver wares and bronze mirrors, the general conditions and cultural exchanges involved in export porcelains of the middle and late Tang Dynasty are illustrated, and the influences of export on parts of kilns in China are analyzed. The possible provenances of export white porcelains are also discussed according to the elemental composition analyses of two samples using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. This paper also discusses the possible departure and destination ports of the ship.

Abstract:The Maritime Silk Road in the Han Dynasty connected Lingnan area of southern China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and littoral areas of the Mediterranean by sea. As the region of ports of departure of the Han Maritime Silk Road, Lingnan area has great significance for studying the exchanges between China and foreign countries at that time. Glass beads are one of the most typical artifacts excavated from Han tombs in Lingnan area. This paper summarizes the glass types and techniques of manufacture of the glass beads, and discusses their provenances based on their chemical compositions and shapes. Furthermore, this work illuminates exchanges between China and other foreign countries. Glass beads found in Han tombs located in Lingnan area provide credible evidence of Sino-foreign exchanges and have important academic value and research significance.

Abstract:Some precious gemstone bead ornaments unearthed from Hepu County, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, dates back to the Xinmang Period (8 AD~23 AD) and the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25 AD~220 AD). These ornaments were analyzed in situ and non-destructively using two portable Raman spectrometers. A batch of light blue and colorless transparent bead ornaments made of beryl group minerals (e.g. aquamarine and goshenite) which had been easily mistaken for colored quartz beads were successfully identified. A hand-held microscope was used to observe and analyze the shape, diameter and inner micro-wear of the drill perforations of the beryl gem beads. According to markings in the cylindrical drill holes, and their diameters, as well as the research results reported earlier for the drilling techniques and tools of stone bead ornaments from South Asia and Southeast Asia, a diamond drill was used to drill the hole from the two ends of the beads. In consideration of information obtained regarding gemstone resources, ancient beryl artifacts, and drilling techniques and workshop sites found in South Asia, we tend to think that the beryl bead ornaments were imported from South Asia via the Maritime Silk Road. This research provides valuable information for discussing the economic and cultural exchanges between southern China and South Asia and Southeast Asia during the Han Dynasty, and also improves our understanding on the ancient Maritime Silk Road trade networks for precious goods.

Abstract:Majiayuan Cemetery is located in Zhangjiachuan Hui Autonomous County, Gansu Province. Many types of beads have been excavated from Tomb M4 of the cemetery. In this work, one of the beads was chosen as a sample in order to study its glaze, which was completely detached from the body part. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and micro-Raman spectrometry were applied to the analyses of microstructure and composition. The results show that the sample is a faience bead with a highly vitrified glaze. Because of corrosion, the flux in the glaze was below the detection limit. The application glazing method or cementation glazing method might be used for this bead. The crystal particles in the glaze were identified as tin dioxide (SnO₂), indicating that tin powder might have been added deliberately. The results also reveal another additive of tin (Sn) instead of lead (Pb) as the flux in faience glaze-making during the Warring States Period of ancient China.

Abstract:Located in Emin County, Xinjiang, the Yemule Site dates back to the Song and Yuan Dynasties. Yemule was an important city along the northern branch of the Silk Road during that period. In this study, we analyzed the compositions and manufacturing technologies of nine glass fragments from the Yemule Site. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (LA-ICP-AES) was applied to determine the major and minor elements in the unweathered areas of the fragments. The results show that these glass fragments are transparent, undecorated and of low quality, indicating they belong to common daily vessels. Furthermore, the compositional results for the soda-lime silica system with a high content of potassium oxide (K₂O) suggest a technical connection with plant ash glass or mixed-alkali glass from Central Asia. This study demonstrates that there were close material and cultural exchanges between the Yemule and Central Asian cities. Also, most of the glass vessels from that period found in Xinjiang are ordinary ones with simple decorations, similar to those from the Yemule Site. This indicates that the popularity of glass vessels was high and that civilians used glass vessels as common utensils at that time, which was different in functions and levels from other regions. These results, in addition to the results of previous excavations in Xinjiang, provide information on cultural exchanges of local governments in this region during the Song and Yuan Dynasties.

Abstract:The Key Scientific Research Base of Textile Conservation (China National Silk Museum), State Administration for Cultural Heritage was commissioned by Archaeology Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences to study the textiles unearthed from a Zoroastrian cemetery in Pamir Jirzankal. Fiber identification, dye testing and weaving structure analysis were carried out on the samples. The results show that 1) the fiber materials include silk and wool; 2) dyes such as madder, indigo and protoberberines were found, and 3) the weaving structure mainly contains silk tabby and polychrome woolen taquete. Combined with other historical and archaeological data, the above research results have been interpreted so as to provide other valuable information.

Abstract:Before the opening of the traditional Silk Road, exchanges had already taken place between China and its western areas, as shown by a large number of unearthed cultural relics. Northwest China is the cradle of the traditional Silk Road; therefore, studying the cultural relics unearthed from this area is of great significance for promoting cultural relic protection and contemporary social construction in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. In recent years, some tinned bronze belts dating back to the later Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.) and the early Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.) have been excavated from Shaanxi and Gansu Provinces and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. The geometric patterns engraved on the surfaces of these belts are fairly clear even after tinning. In this study, 3D stereoscopic microscope, metallurgical microscope and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) were used to examine these objects. Two basic techniques of engraving patterns on the surfaces of tinned bronze were recognized:the V-shaped chisels used for making short straight, long straight and curve lines, and the wheel-cutting used for forming long wide lines. The latter pattern, supposedly made using a steel-wheel, shows the earlier evidence for the formation of long wide lines on bronze surface.

Abstract:The definition and interpretation of “Cuojinyin”-gold and silver inlay and overlay remain debatable in the field of early metallurgy. The research described here takes an interdisciplinary approach and discusses the technical features and characteristics of “fire gilding”, “gold inlay” and “gold plating” that prevailed during the Warring States Period, Qin and Han Dynasties (5th-1st centuries BCE), based upon the excavated objects and historical texts. Scientific analyses have shown the emergence of some new applications of the traditional “gold plating” technology, such as the “diffusion bonding” and “cold mercury gilding” techniques. Furthermore, comparison with the samples from Central Asia, reveals that the iron chariot and horse ornaments from the Majiayuan Cemetery (4th-3rd centuries BCE) at Zhangjiachuan, Gansu province, represented a new method for surface decoration—the joint use of gold/silver inlay and plating technologies—which could be considered a local innovation under the influence of steppe culture. Excavated objects such as these deserve greater attention in future work. The Warring States Period witnessed new developments of some traditional metal working technologies while some new technologes were introduced into China in the context of extensive material culture contacts in ancient Eurasia.

Abstract:Dadiwan culture in the Weihe River Basin gave birth to the earliest painted pottery in China. The production of painted pottery reflected not only the level of people’s understanding and utilization of nature at that time, but also the spiritual world of the Dadiwan ancestors. In order to better understand the Dadiwan ancestors’ knowledge of the white pigments of painted pottery, we analyzed the chemical composition, phase composition and thermal properties of four white (light) lump pigments from the Dadiwan site, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrometry (Raman), real-time infrared spectrometry (RTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) . The results show that white massive pigments can be divided into two main categories. One is carbonate. QD1 (Dadiwan Phase II) and QD2 (Dadiwan Phase IV) contain mainly quartz, dolomite, muscovite and chlorite, etc. The other category is aluminosilicate clay minerals. The white part of QD3 (Dadiwan Phase IV) contains mainly quartz, amorphous peraluminosilicate (probably metakaolinite and potassium feldspar), cristobalite, mullite and ilmenite, etc.; the red part is hematite particles; calcium carbonate was deposited on the surface of the sample. QD4 contains mainly quartz, muscovite, albite and kaolinite; calcium carbonate was deposited on the surface of the sample. This research provides data for the further understanding of raw material processing and the level of pottery-making by Dadiwan ancestors.

Abstract:A variety of portable analytical instrumental methods were used for imaging information extraction, color recording, nondestructive rapid analysis of materials and disease interpretation during a two-round (in 2014 and 2015) overall scientific investigation of murals of Han Xiu Tomb in Xi’an. The results show the existence of re-painting and pre-painting and UV fluorescence on parts of the paintings (such as those with yellow and blue pigments). The technique for making these wall paintings was typical of those used during the Tang Dynasty. Mineral pigments were used for the majority of the paintings, but plant dyes and mineral pigments were mixed and overlaid during drawing. The murals are in a relatively good state of conservation except for local plumping and mould which needs timely treatments. As the first attempt in the overall scientific analysis of murals at archaeological excavation sites, this work provides not only data support for later research and conservation, but is also a reference case for similar projects.

Abstract:The Kizil Grottoes are a well-known treasure house of Buddhist arts and a rich source of historical and cultural relics, which are important materials for studying the cultural exchange and integration of the Silk Road. During a remedial conservation of wall paintings in the Kizil Grottoes, a blue pigment block was recovered from the sand in front of Cave 189. A variety of methods were applied to analyze the unearthed pigment:X-ray diffraction (XRD) for component analysis; Raman spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) for comparison of component and phase with the blue sample taken from the wall paintings of Cave 189; Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for identification of possible binding media contained in the unearthed pigment. The results show that the unearthed blue pigment is lapis lazuli and that the binding medium contained is plant gum. The combination of multiple analytical methods provided comprehensive and detailed information on the objects analyzed, and also experience and reference for studying the wall painting materials and technologies of the Kizil Grottoes.

Abstract:We conducted analyses of six shards of export blue and white porcelain from the Nan’ao Ⅰ shipwreck. The results of elemental analysis show that two shards were produced at Jingdezhen Kiln and the other four produced at Zhangzhou Kiln. The materials for making the body and glaze of these two kilns are different, but both kilns used the same domestic cobalt for the blue pigment. The results of microstructure analysis show that the manufacturing technology for the blue and white porcelain produced at Zhangzhou Kiln is different from that of Jingdezhen Kiln. Blue pigment of Jingdezhen Kiln concentrates at the junction of glaze and body, while that of Zhangzhou Kiln diffuses in the glaze or in the middle of glaze. Image optical coherence tomography (OCT) shows that the smooth bright spots of blue pigment of Zhangzhou Kiln were caused by opacified glaze and homogeneously diffused pigments. The blue and white porcelain of Zhangzhou Kiln may represent a unique technology different from that used for underglaze blue of Jingdezhen Kiln for example. In addition, the results of thermodilatometry show that the firing temperatures of blue and white porcelain of Jingdezhen and Zhangzhou Kilns were 1 160 ℃ and 1 175 ℃, respectively, quite close and both lower than normal, which indicates that the kiln technologies of the two places were similar at that time.

Abstract:A piece of textile fragment was found in the lonely T129 beacon tower of the Juyan Sites accompanied by Han Dynasty wooden slips and Wuzhu coins. In order to understand the composition and weaving technique of the fabric, relevant scientific analyses were carried out. Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, the textile material was determined to be silk. Furthermore, it was confirmed by stereoscopic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that the textile was a plain weave without pattern or trace of dyeing. Based on the weaving technique, it can be classified as Xiao, which was quite common in the Han Dynasty. The textile can be regarded as a specimen of the garments used in frontier garrisons during the Han Dynasty. It has certain significance for research on material exchanges and cultural communications along the Silk Road in the northwestern region of the Han Dynasty.

Abstract:China has launched a series of underwater archaeological projects in its segment of the Maritime Silk Road. A shipwreck carrying Five-Dynasty Yue Kiln celadon was discovered in Pingtan, Fujian Province. Shipwrecks of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties were found in the sea areas of Lianjiang, Putian, Longhai, Pingtan and Zhangpu, Fujian Province. Underwater archaeological excavations were conducted for the Song Nanhai Ⅰ, Huaguangjiao Ⅰ, Ming Nan’ao Ⅰ and Qing Wanjiao Ⅰ shipwrecks in the sea areas of Guangdong, Fujian and Hainan Provinces. These underwater archaeological projects represent a great academic achievement which could have great reference value and significance for related research on the Maritime Silk Road.

Abstract:In this study, we scientifically analyzed some metal Buddha statues of the Kingdoms of Nanzhao and Dali in order to study their methods of production. The results show that the lost wax casting technology was mainly used for making various bronze Buddha statues and the materials contain a variety of metal elements. For example, the Acarya Guanyin statues and the other bronze statues are characterized by copper alloys containing arsenic; the gold Buddha statues were mainly made of gold and silver alloys; and the small bronze Buddha statues were made of complex alloys. According to analyses of inscriptions and paintings, these metal Buddha statues were mainly made by local artisans in Dali.

Abstract:Topping the world’s three most soft drinks, tea originated in China and was then spread directly or indirectly to all over the world. Tea was one of the important commodities along the Silk Road. As one of China’s great contributions to human civilization, tea-drinking and related tea cultures have enriched and improved people’s quality of life. Studies of the history, foreign trades and spreading of Chinese tea are significant parts of the history research of “One Belt One Road”. These studies demonstrate the influences and promoting effects of Chinese tea and its related tea cultures on the rising and development of the world’s tea cultures. Combining related literature and archaeological studies, this paper introduces China’s research findings of historical development, foreign trades and spreading routes in the world of tea. Hopefully this summary could provide useful reference for the scholars doing related studies.