Kiln Sites Research Articles

Remediation of acid soils and soil property amelioration via Acacia decurrens-based agroforestry system

Land degradation and the associated soil acidity are critical challenge for crop production in Ethiopian highlands. Since liming is expensive, farmers have developed an alternative agroforestry system by integrating Acacia decurrens into their landscapes. The expansion rate of this system was assessed over the last three decades. The effects of the agroforestry system and charcoal-making kiln sites on soil properties were investigated for over five years compared to the adjacent croplands. Soil samples were collected from A. decurrens plantations, kiln sites, and adjacent croplands at 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil depths. In the last 30 years, the plantation and croplands increased by 8% and 17.5%, respectively, compared to the land-use system in 1993, mainly at the expense of grassland and abandoned land. The main incentive for expansion of A. decurrens plantations was farmers’ income generated from charcoal making. This intervention also improved soil properties with a significantly positive effect on soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and available Bray phosphorus (Bray-P) compared to the adjacent croplands. Results revealed that the SOC content in year 2 increased significantly (1.3–1.7 times) under A. decurrens plantation compared to adjacent crop fields. Moreover, soil pH increased by one unit on charcoal-making fields, which was equivalent to application of 4–5 t lime ha−1, while SOC increased by ~ 10% on kiln sites compared to the control. Charcoal making kiln spots increased available soil phosphorus by 112% compared to the adjacent non-kiln sites. The Bray- P was strongly and significantly (P < 0.05) correlated (r = 0.75) with soil pH. We conclude that integrating A. decurrens-based agroforestry practices would improve livelihoods by restoring degraded lands, improving income generation and carbon sequestration.

Young and century-old biochars strongly affect nutrient cycling in a temperate agroecosystem

Biochar as a soil amendment is often described as a promising agricultural practice for climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, while recent research showed limited effects of biochar in temperate regions, its long-term impacts on nutrient management in-situ have been overlooked. Here we studied charcoal residues from pre-industrial kiln sites as a proxy to determine the effects of century-old biochar (~200 years old) on nutrient cycles of 3 land covers in a conventionally cropped field. We compared nutrient cycles of soil containing either century-old biochar (CoBC), recently pyrolyzed biochar (YBC) produced from similar feedstock (oak) and amended in similar amounts and a reference charcoal free soil (REF). For these three modalities, we characterized soil chemical properties, the pore water nutrient concentration evolution with time and depth using suction cups, and the crop nutrient uptakes. Our results revealed soil pore water nutrient concentrations strongly depended on biochar age. Indeed, YBC resulted in lower N-NO3- and K+ leaching but higher P-PO4– pore water concentrations in the topsoil Ap (0–30 cm) horizon. In CoBC higher K+ and Mg2+ concentrations occurred in the pore water than in REF for subsoil horizon E (30–60 cm) and Bt (60–100 cm). Beyond soil pore water, CoBC also strongly increased soil total N, available K+ and Ca2+ but decreased available P contents compared to REF and YBC. Finally, although no change in crop productivity occurred, lower N, K, Ca and higher Mg plant uptakes were observed for modalities with biochar. This resulted in no difference in terms of nutrient exports from the field in chicory but it significantly decreased N, K, Ca exports from biochar rich soil under winter wheat in straw. This study delivers the first field-based evidence that the effects of hardwood biochar on nutrient cycles change over its lifetime in a temperate Luvisol soil, whereby young biochar impacts mainly pore water nutrient concentrations and aged biochar mainly plant available contents. In such a strongly managed environment, no differences are noted in productivity despite strong changes in the nutrient cycle. Our study provides insights for addressing long-term effects of biochar in cultivated lands not only in terms of agronomic perspectives but through a biogeochemistry lens.

The early porcelain kilns of Arita: Identification of raw materials and their use from the 17th to the 19th century

Porcelain stone used at the early kilns of Arita, Japan, has never been identified due to the lack of written records. Ryumon and Shirakawa deposits are considered to have possibly been exploited before Izumiyama was discovered in the early 1630s, but there are no records or any previous scientific research aimed at resolving such crucial issue. This work presents the first systematic scientific study of clays from the three deposits and shards excavated at early kiln sites. Portable ED-XRF and SEM-EDS were used to identify the chemical compositions of bodies, glazes, and geochemical characteristics of clays. XRD, TG-DSC, and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy were also used for the mineralogical characterization of clay bodies. Results show that the earliest production was marked by the mineralogical characteristics of the available raw materials. A gradual improvement in material selection and processing will lead to the development of the nigoshide (milky-white) body in the mid-17th century.

Effects of Charcoal Production on Soil Physicochemical Properties in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

Charcoal production is a major economic activity in rural Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria. Given that it generally involves the use of traditional earth kilns, this study was designed to investigate the effects of charcoal production on the physical and chemical properties of soil. Replicate soil core samples were collected within a depth of 0 - 20 cm from 19 charcoal kiln sites (CKS) and 19 adjacent control sites (ACS) across five administrative districts in the study area. These samples were subjected to laboratory analysis to determine their physical and chemical qualities and then t-test was used to statistically compare the CKS and ACS soils. There was no significant difference in soil texture between both sites. However, CKS soil pH and electrical conductivity significantly increased (p 0.05) due to charred biomass introduced to soils by the process of charcoal production. The CKS cation exchange capacity, Ca and Mg increased significantly (p < 0.0001) by 40.11%, 57.15% and 89.16%, respectively. Charcoal production significantly reduced Fe by 28.54%, while the concentration of other heavy metals remained similar between both sites. The findings showed that charcoal production using traditional earth kilns improves soil physical and chemical properties for agriculture purposes. However, further studies are suggested to understand its effects on vegetation cover and soil biota.

고려 전기 ‘순화(淳化)’명 청자 제기류의 현황과 의의

This study examines the characteristics and meanings of celadon ritual vessels engraved with the word ‘Sunhwa(淳化)’, made between 992 and 993 of King Seongjong’s reign in Goryeo. All these celadons were used for ritual use. One of them is a Tae Jun (太尊) and is in the collection of the Ewha Womans University Museum, and the remaining fragments are Du (豆), made at the Baecheon Wonsan-ri kiln site, near Gaegyeong. And the fact that these celadon were produced in a workshop near Gaeseong shows the possibility that celadon production was carried out under a public system around the 10th century. The type and form of these celadon ritual vessels are generally similar to those recorded in the previous rites, but in particular, they were most similar to those of 『Samryedo (三禮圖)』 compiled by Seopsungui (聶崇義) of the Song dynasty.<BR> On the celadon ritual vessels with the inscription ‘Sunhwa’, the names of the artisans (or officials) who were in charge of the vessels are also engraved. Since the end of the 10th century was before it became common to attach a surname to a person’s name in Goryeo, the fact that such a name was engraved on the vessel for ancestral rites proves how important the establishment of Taemyo and the rites were.<BR> King Seongjong(成宗) of Goryeo established the Confucian foundation of the Goryeo state and strengthened the administrative system and order. Among them, the most symbolic act was the establishment of the Taemyo (太廟), and the preparation of the ancestral ritual and the implementation method according to the procedure were planned. It symbolized the dignity of the royal family for the king to directly participate in the ancestral rites, and it was also for the king to show the relationship and bond between himself and the royal ancestors to the people. And by arranging the gods around Taejo in the ancestral rites of Taemyo , it was intended to visualize the lineage of the royal family and the successive political powers. And the celadon ritual vessels engraved with the word ‘Sunhwa’ were the most concrete examples of the purpose of King Seongjong.

Rediscovering the largest kiln site in the middle Yangtze River Valley: insights into Qingbai and grey-greenish ware production at Husi kiln site based on bulk chemical analysis

This paper presents new data from the Husi kiln site, Hubei Province, China, where the unusual size calls into question the primacy of Jingdezhen in porcelain production in medieval China. With its over 180 kilns, the site rivals Jingdezhen in size, yet it has found no mention in textual accounts. The wares produced at Husi include Qingbai and grey-greenish ware of the Tang and the Song periods (seventh to thirteenth century AD). This paper presents compositional data obtained using LA-ICP-MS on samples from five kilns at Husi, comparing them with published data from other kilns. The data set Husi apart, thus allowing for fingerprinting its wares. Based on bulk chemical analysis, the paper furthermore explores the idea that Husi combined elements of southern and northern technologies, thus connecting these two ceramic traditions that previously had been seen as being entirely separate. Some key elements of the early Qingbai ware glaze from Husi resemble wares from Jingdezhen, suggesting a connection between the two sites; however, the glaze recipes for later wares found at Husi differ, indicating that its customer base and marketing strategy changed over time. Furthermore, the iron content of the grey-greenish ware from Husi is extraordinarily high, indicating a unique glaze recipe and production technology independent from Jingdezhen.

Limited effects of century-old biochar on taxonomic and functional diversities of collembolan communities across land-uses

Biochar is often considered as a promising climate-smart agricultural tool capable of stabilizing carbon overtime in soils while improving crop productivity. However, long-term consequences for soil biodiversity have barely been addressed. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of centennial biochar on the total collembolan densities, the taxonomic and functional diversities of collembolan communities. We sampled preindustrial charcoal kiln sites across three land-uses (cropland, grassland and forest) in temperate soils as model for aged biochar. The complementarity use of total collembolan densities, a taxonomic approach (species richness, Pielou evenness) and a functional approach (functional richness, Rao quadratic entropy, community-weighted means of the functional traits) showed that charcoal enrichment had little effect on collembolan communities. Yet, there was a systematic shift in traits composition of collembolan communities towards traits adapted to life at depth in the presence of charcoal across land-uses. In cropland soils, charcoal induced minor species and abundance changes that significantly shifted the traits composition. In grassland soils, charcoal significantly decreased the taxonomic evenness of communities and host new species with more diverse functional profiles. In forest soils, charcoal was suggested to induce a species domination and a functional homogenization of collembolan communities. Our results suggest that the long-term effect of biochar on soil fauna are related to slight direct or indirect modifications of soil habitat, which hinges on land-use. Indeed, the land-use was a much stronger driver in shaping soil collembolan communities than centennial charcoal. We advocate furthering functional traits studies on the ecological and edaphic mechanisms driving Collembola long-term responses to biochar amendment.

Assessing the structural efficiency and durability of burnt clay bricks incorporating fly ash and silica fume as additives

Rapid industrialization over the past few decades has increased the disposal of waste materials in open-air landfills. The utilization of industrial wastes for the preparation of bricks can improve its functional characteristics and reduce the environmental pollution caused by landfill sites. This research investigated the effects of silica fume (SF) and fly ash (FA) on the structural and durability properties of burnt clay bricks (BCB) manufactured at the industrial kiln site. The SF and FA were added to the brick earth with a percentage variation of 2–10%. Results showed that the addition of 4% SF in brick earth increased the compressive strength of BCB by 27.55%, while 4% FA increased the compressive strength by 17.36%. Results also revealed that the addition of SF and FA reduced the weight of BCB, water absorption, and efflorescence while increased the structural efficiency. The incorporation of SF and FA resulted in variation of all dimensions of the burnt clay bricks. Nonetheless, the variation was observed within the range of testing standards.

Tea Bowl with Decoration of Standing Cranes (Tachizuru): Made-to-order Ceramics Produced in the Japan House Kilns

The Japan House (Korean: waegwan; Japanese: wakan) in the port city of Pusan, was a Japanese outpost during the Chosŏn dynasty. In the period 1639 to 1718, the Sō clan of Tsushima, commissioned made-to-order ceramics here, reflecting Japanese requirements, and a long-standing Japanese enthusiasm for kōrai chawan (“Korean tea bowls”), as demanded by the tea authorities in Japan. The focus of this paper is a group of tea bowls with decoration of standing cranes, the most representative type of made-to-order tea bowls produced at the Japan House kilns. Historical records and recent excavations of kiln sites have revealed that the type of tea bowl with standing crane design enjoyed popularity and continued to be produced until the closure of the Japan House kilns. A bowl of the deep, cylindrical shape adheres closely to early Koryŏ prototypes, while its notched foot resembles those of soft porcelain bowls made for ritual use. The subject of its design motif can be traced back to the ubiquitous cranes of Koryŏ inlaid celadon. The ethereal crane, traditionally associated with longevity, was popular in East Asian pictorial culture. The standing crane design on this type of tea bowl displays a combination of influences from the crane painting by the Southern Song painter Muqi (act. ca. 1240-75) and its reinterpretation by the Kano painters. This paper seeks to define the characteristics of the Japan House kiln products by examining its best-known type of tea bowl with decoration of standing cranes. It elucidates how the tea bowl with standing crane design is clearly not an imitation of early Koryŏ celadon but shows a range of decorative styles that reflect the tastes of the Edo-period daimyo tea world. While adapted to the tastes of Japanese consumers, the tea bowl with standing crane design produced at the Japan House kilns display influences from regional kilns in Chosŏn Korea. In this light, the type of tea bowl with decoration of standing cranes manifests a hybrid state of shifting boundaries and demarcations where Japanese and Korean influences coexisted and encountered with difference.

Compositional analysis below the production region level: A case study of porcelain production at Dehua, Fujian, China

Compositional analysis of Chinese porcelain often uses the production region as an analytical unit, whereas the possible compositional similarities and differences between different production loci within the region have rarely been considered. This research assesses the worth of conducting chemical composition analysis at the micro level and evaluates the effectiveness of combining laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) with portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) in characterizing compositional variation below the level of the production region. It focuses on porcelain production of the Song and Yuan dynasties (960–1368 CE) at Dehua, Fujian, China, where dozens of large-scale kilns produced enormous amounts of porcelains for export. A total of 19 kiln sites from five villages at Dehua were analyzed in this research. Results from both LA-ICP-MS and pXRF show that there are two distinct production groups at Dehua—Gaide and Longxun-Sanban. Geological differences and different ceramic-making traditions might both contribute to the distinct separation of the two compositional groups. Results from social network analysis further suggest that there are strong inter-kiln compositional similarities within the same production subregion, but kiln sites in the same village are more closely connected than those outside the village. These results demonstrate that the change of analytical scale in compositional analysis can provide more nuanced insights into the organization of production and the patterns of interaction between different production loci within the broader production region. In addition, this research shows that pXRF, though not as accurate as LA-ICP-MS, is capable of finding compositional patterning within a small region of ceramic production.

Lost at sea: Identifying the post-depositional alteration of amphorae in ancient shipwrecks

The present paper sheds new light on the alteration of archaeological ceramics buried in marine environments by analysing in detail a large dataset of Hellenistic and Late Roman Republican transport amphorae from 15 sites along the well-known ancient maritime trade route off the Dalmatian coast in southern Croatia. These include amphorae from shipwrecks, kiln sites and settlements. Ceramic petrography and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) have been used to compare sherds of amphorae made in the same workshop, of the same fabric and origin, but recovered from both shipwrecks and terrestrial sites and were therefore exposed to different burial environments over two millennia. The integration of both methods permitted the identification of differential microstructural and geochemical alteration of the amphorae under the sea relative to those found on land. By applying principal components analysis and test statistics, we have detected enrichment of As, Ca, Na, Sb, Sr and U and depletion of Ba, Cs, K and Rb in amphorae from the marine environment, relative to those buried on land. The implications of the study are discussed in terms of the provenance determination of amphorae from submerged environments and the reconstruction of ancient maritime trade routes.

Long‐term effect of biochar on physical properties of agricultural soils with different textures at pre‐industrial charcoal kiln sites in Wallonia (Belgium)

AbstractBesides its carbon (C) sequestration potential, biochar is being promoted as an amendment to improve soil quality. Burying biochar in soils is known to affect soil physical quality in the short‐term (&lt;5 years), although the intensity of these effects depends on soil texture and biochar concentration especially. However, the long‐term effects of biochar remain largely unknown, yet are important to quantify given biochar's persistency in soils. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the long‐term effect of biochar on physical properties as a function of biochar concentration for soils with differing textures. For this purpose, soil physical properties were measured in the topsoil of three fields (silt loam, loam and sandy loam textures) in Wallonia (southern Belgium) presenting former kiln sites containing charcoal more than 150 years old. Particle density and bulk density slightly decreased as a function of charcoal‐C content but the presence of charcoal in kiln sites did not affect total porosity. The water retention curve measurements revealed that water content was mostly affected in the mesopore range by the century‐old charcoal‐C content. This effect was strongest for the sandy loam. On the other hand, the presence of century‐old charcoal increased the hydraulic conductivity for pF values between 1.5 and 2 for the silt loam, whereas no effect of charcoal was observed for the loamy and sandy loam soils. Results are discussed with respect to biochar characteristics and the various ways in which biochar particles could be distributed within soils. Overall, the present study highlights a limited effect of century‐old charcoal on the pore size distribution (at constant porosity) and on the resulting soil physical properties.Highlights The effect of century‐old biochar on physical properties was investigated for 3 different soil textures. Water retention was affected mostly in the mesopore range by biochar. Small effect of biochar on hydraulic conductivity was observed for silt loam soil only. Overall, there was a limited effect of century‐old biochar on soil physical properties.

Firing process and colouring mechanism of black glaze and brown glaze porcelains from the Yuan and Ming dynasties from the Qingliang Temple kiln in Baofeng, Henan, China

Black glaze and brown glaze porcelains were an important part of ancient Chinese iron-based high temperature glazes. The excavation of black glaze and brown glaze porcelains from the Yuan and Ming dynasties at the Qingliang Temple kiln site in Baofeng, Henan, China, in 2014, enriched the firing history of this kiln site and history of Chinese ceramics. In this study, black glaze and brown glaze porcelain samples from the Qingliang Temple kiln site from the Yuan and Ming dynasties were selected and analysed via optical microscopy, laser Raman spectroscopy, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy combined with EDS and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence to determine their microscopic morphology, microzone composition, microstructure and chemical composition. Moreover, the main wavelength range of the brown glaze porcelain samples were measured by UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer systems. The main conclusions of this study are as follows. The brown glaze porcelain from the Yuan and Ming dynasties at the Qingliang Temple kiln site has two different colour layers, with the surface is brown and the bottom is black. The presence of a glass phase and α-Fe2O3 phase in the black glaze porcelain samples, and a rare ε-Fe2O3 phase in the brown glaze porcelain samples. The brown colour was a result of ε-Fe2O3 precipitation, whilst the black base layer also enhanced the brown-colouring effect. Different glaze formulations were used for brown glazed porcelain, some of which were similar to those used for black glaze porcelain and derived from the transformation of black glaze porcelain through different firing atmospheres and cooling rates. Although the formula of the brown glaze porcelain samples exhibited differences, the main wavelength difference was not large, was within the 645–682 nm range and belonged to the visible red region.

Scientific study on the celadon glaze from the Donggou kiln, China

The raw material characteristics, glaze color, mineral composition, and microstructure of green-glazed porcelain samples excavated from the Donggou kiln site in Henan Province, China were subjected to scientific investigations. The results show that the glaze formula of Donggou kiln celadon is relatively stable, and the plant ash with higher Na2O and K2O content may be used as a flux for the celadon glaze. The pan-blue celadon glaze has a wide range of dominant wavelength, concentrated and high distribution of luminosity values, low color saturation, and light degree of yellow. The high content of K2O and P2O5 is one of the main factors for the bluish glaze color. The celadon glaze of the Donggou kiln is a typical crystalline phase-separated glaze with a large number of needle-like and columnar anorthite crystals and a worm-like phase-separated structure.

Celadon colour data association classification and its dynasty-kiln site characteristics

Celadon is an indispensable and important category in ancient ceramics. From secret colour porcelain to Yue kiln celadon, Longquan celadon, Yaozhou celadon, the colour description of celadon has always been a mystery. There are different descriptions of celadons's colour, including light green, sky green, pink green, plum green, olive green etc., and these colour descriptions are diverse and confusing. This paper analyses the colour measurement data of 223 publicly published celadon samples. Based on CIE (Commission Internationale de lEclairage) 1976 La*b* uniform colour space, the colour characteristics of celadons in each kiln site and dynasty are analysed, and the colour concentration of celadon at different kiln sites is analysed with H (Hue), C (Chroma) and L (Lightness). The corresponding relationship between the sensory description of the celadon colour and the quantitative description of the colour space has been determined, and the visualized HCL colour space diagram of various types of celadon colour data has been obtained, and the colour of celadon has been standardized. This research work is significant for the colour of celadon from sensory description to scientific description, and for the origin of ancient celadon colour and the evolutionary pedigree of celadon production.

Using Deep Learning for the Image Recognition of Motifs on the Center of Sukhothai Ceramics

The motifs on the center of Sukhothai ceramics are essential elements for determining the age of the ceramics. Sukhothai ceramics in each kiln were made with different pattern production techniques, and thus one specific pattern appears only in a particular kiln. Thus, archaeologists can determine which ceramic was produced from which particular kiln site by investigating its motif. Motif identification requires a well-experienced expert to identify the tracery of the pattern on the center of a ceramic. Thus, identifying such archaeological evidence is complex even for general archaeologists. The aim of this research was to study the use of deep convolutional neural networks for classifying seven motif patterns on the center of Sukhothai ceramics (i.e. Chrysanthemum bouquet, Classic scroll, Conch shell, Fish pattern, Flower head pattern, Printed Chrysanthemum head, and Tibetan Buddhist vajra ). We collected a new dataset, including 557 images of ceramics, from two kiln sites. Each ceramic’s motif was labeled by Thai ceramic experts. The collection of the motifs on the center of the Sukhothai ceramic dataset was called CMC Sukhothai Ceramic Dataset. The efficiency of the motif identification on the center of Sukhothai ceramics was evaluated by comparing five pretrained convolutional neural network models: DenseNet121, InceptionV3, VGG16, GoogLeNet, and AlexNet. Then, the models that were efficient for our dataset were selected and trained by fine tuning. Results showed that the motif recognition of VGG16 + our classification layers generated the best efficiency at 500 epochs of training and 86.54% of accuracy in the test dataset.

Searching for the earliest use of limestone as a flux in Chinese high-fired ceramic glazes—evidence from Sr isotopic analysis of Chinese northern porcelain

Samples of northern porcelain wares dating to between the 6th and 13th centuries from the three most important northern Chinese ceramic kiln sites, Gongyi, Xing and Ding have been studied in this work. The Sr isotope and chemical compositions of the ceramic glazes of these wares have been determined. Based on the scientific results we have been able to suggest the raw materials used to make the glazes. Using Strontium isotopic analysis we have successfully shown that the earliest use of limestone as a glaze flux so far identified is during the period from the Sui to mid-Tang Dynasties (late 6th-early 9th century) to produce white slip glazed ware in the Xing kilns so it may have been ‘invented’ there.

Microstructure, firing temperature and composition characteristics of Mi-se porcelain unearthed from Housi'ao kiln site, China

Mi-se porcelain is one of the most famous celadons in ancient China. Here, PIXE and factor analysis are used to study the relationship between Mi-se porcelain, the ordinary celadon, and sagger unearthed from Housi'ao kiln site. Also, microstructure and firing temperature of Mi-se porcelain and the ordinary celadon is studied. The results show that the dominant wavelength of Mi-se porcelain is at 560–590 nm, showing a green glaze color. Its glaze layer is very thin (~100 μm), as is in the ordinary celadon. The firing temperature of Mi-se porcelain and the ordinary celadon is at 1180–1250 °C. Based on the factor analysis, Mi-se porcelain of the late Tang Dynasty originates from the ordinary celadon. To the Five Dynasties, the raw material of body and recipe of glaze are changed, while the ordinary celadon is stable from the late Tang Dynasty to the Song Dynasty. For the rough sagger, the recipe of its sealing glaze is the same as the ordinary celadon of the late Tang Dynasty. For the porcelain sagger, from the late Tang Dynasty to the Five Dynasties, raw material of body is the same as the ordinary celadon, while for the sealing glaze, there is no special recipe.

Lost at Sea: Identifying the Post-Depositional Alteration of Amphorae in Ancient Shipwrecks

The present paper sheds new light on the alteration of archaeological ceramics buried in marine environments by analysing in detail a large dataset of Hellenistic and Late Roman Republican transport amphorae from 15 sites along the well-known ancient maritime trade route off the Dalmatian coast in southern Croatia. These include amphorae from shipwrecks, kiln sites and settlements. Ceramic petrography and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) have been used to compare sherds of the same fabric and origin, but recovered from both shipwrecks and terrestrial sites and were therefore exposed to different burial environments. The integration of both methods permitted the identification of differential microstructural and geochemical alteration of the amphorae under the sea relative to those found on land. By applying principal components analysis and test statistics, we have detected enrichment of As, Ca, Na, Sb, Sr and U and depletion of Ba, Cs, K and Rb in amphorae from the marine environment, relative to those buried on land. The implications of the study are discussed in terms of the provenance determination of amphorae from submerged environments and the reconstruction of ancient maritime trade routes.

Research on the kiln site protection and utilization of early Yue in Zhejiang based on protection first

The architectural heritage of handcrafts of Zhenjiang has unrepeatable technological and historical values. This paper aims at obtaining a reliable overview of the occurrence of the kiln sites. Their characteristics and values as architectural heritage of handcrafts will be fully understanding, expounds the problems in the protection and utilization of those kiln sites, then gives different utilization strategies on the priority of the kiln site protection is put forward.