A Study on Manufacturing Technique and Alloy Characteristics of Bronze Mirrors from Jeollanam-do Region in the Three Kingdoms Period

Abstract

This study analyzed the microstructures and chemical composition of three samples of bronze mirrors excavated in the Jeollanam-do region, particularly Goheung and Damyang. Under x-ray irradiation, the analysis results confirmed the broken parts and pores caused by cracks, casting, and corrosion. Major and minor elemental analysis were performed on three mirrors by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) and Inductively coupled plasma mass spe ctrome try (ICP-MS). The re sult shows that the bronze mirrors containe d Cu-Sn-Pb alloys. Alpha phase and eutectic phase were observed in the microstructure, confirming that the casting was performed without additional heat treatment. Notably, Three bronze mirrors were made early Three Kingdoms period in Korea.