Abstract

Cuojinyin is an inlay technique for delicately decorating the surface of bronze and iron wares. It takes advantage of the ductility of gold and silver to perfectly embed them into prepared grooves on the surface of bronze and iron wares without traces of using adhesives. This paper presents preliminary analyses of two belt hooks with cuojinyin decoration excavated from Luoyang, the capital of Eastern Zhou, dated to the Warring States Period. Non-destructive analytical methods including Ultra-Depth Three-Dimensional Microscope and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) were conducted to obtain analytical data and reconstruct the manufacturing process. Several interesting technical features were observed such as the secondary casting of tin–lead alloy, the elemental composition of which is totally different from the bronze surface, and the chasing marks inside the casted grooves for gold and silver inlay. The aesthetic orientation and technical details of cuojinyin not only indicate inspirations from the nomadic world and the long distance interaction across the Eurasia, but also reflect the long developed local tradition in ancient China laid in bronze mold casting technology and turquoise inlay.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.