Kiln Sites Research Articles

Corporate or commercial? Considering modes of ceramic roof tile production in Chichester in the medieval and beyond

Medieval tileries, their mode of production and development are still very poorly understood. This research update combines historic and recent excavation data, along with documentary evidence to suggest that there may have been a rare example of a commercial tilery, operating independently of the church or crown in the Chichester region (UK), as early as the thirteenth century. This kiln site produced utilitarian roof tile, potentially for distribution across the region, including to sites of low status. The industry appears to have moved out of the city of Chichester to the hinterland in the late medieval period.

Mappatura delle aie carbonili con immagini derivate da dati LiDAR: il caso di Raggiolo in Casentino

In the medieval period the Casentino was an important center for iron working and for the production of charcoal necessary for this activity. Between XIII and XIV centuries the Guidi family owned various ironworks in the localities of Cetica and Raggiolo. In this area companies of charcoal burners were active and used local forest resources for the production of charcoal. In this study we mapped the old charcoal kiln sites over an area of 1841 hectares located west of the center of Raggiolo. The charcoal kiln sites were mapped by photointerpretation of LiDAR-derived images. The results are discussed on the basis of the historical events that occurred in the study area between the end of the XIII and the first decades of the XIV century.

Research on the Application of Internet of Things and VR Technology in the Protection and Development of Shouzhou Kiln

The Internet of things (IoT) has changed the information transmission mode of people, things, and services. The new functional experience will bring users an efficient, convenient, and safe lifestyle. Virtual reality (VR) technology, also known as spiritual environment technology, is a new stage of the development of computer and information technology. It is an important auxiliary tool in the fields of R & D, production, education, and so on. As one of the six most famous kilns in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 BC), Shouzhou kiln plays an important role in the history of ceramics in China and even in the world. However, due to the long history, incomplete site preservation, fragile ceramic materials, and lack of effective promotion and publicity, it has been difficult to make a breakthrough in the protection and development of Shouzhou kiln. VR technology makes comprehensive use of computer software and hardware, breaks the barrier between virtual and reality, and provides a new idea for the protection and development of Shouzhou kiln. On the basis of fully combing the principle of VR technology and analyzing the application possibility of VR technology, firstly, focusing on the history and from the perspective of archaeological research of Shouzhou kiln, this paper discusses how to use VR technology to realize the restoration of ancient kiln sites, ancient ceramics, ancient ceramics technology, and relevant data preservation of Shouzhou kiln. Secondly, focusing on the present, this paper discusses the application of VR technology and Internet of things technology in Shouzhou kiln ceramic product design, Shouzhou kiln process technology improvement, Shouzhou kiln ceramic product display, and Shouzhou kiln marketing. Finally, focusing on the future, this paper discusses the application prospect of VR technology in the inheritance of Shouzhou kiln technology and the promotion of Shouzhou kiln ceramic culture. It is expected to explore feasible paths and methods for the protection, inheritance, and development of ancient ceramic culture in China and even the world through the discussion of VR technology involved in the protection and development of Shouzhou kiln.

Material Characteristics and Making Techniques of Pottery by Type from the Oryang-dong Kiln Site in Naju, Korea

Material Characteristics and Making Techniques of Pottery by Type from the Oryang-dong Kiln Site in Naju, Korea

Organo-mineral associations largely contribute to the stabilization of century-old pyrogenic organic matter in cropland soils

Understanding the processes underlying carbon (C) stability in soils is of utmost importance in the context of climate change. In this setting, biochar is often studied for its persistence in soils and reported to have positive impacts on soil fertility. Whilst recent research has mostly focused on the short-term effects of biochar amendments to soil, a better understanding of its long-term persistence in soils is needed.Our study focuses on agricultural soils enriched in charcoal residues, produced in preindustrial kiln sites ca. 220 years ago, as a proxy for aged biochar. Our aim is to better understand the processes governing the long-term persistence of pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) in cultivated soils. To achieve this, we focus on i) the effect of PyOM on soil aggregation, ii) its distribution amongst soil fractions and iii) its chemical and thermal properties. For this purpose, we combined a soil particle size-density fractionation with elemental and thermal analyses on topsoil samples collected in charcoal enriched (CHAR) and adjacent reference (REF) soils in a conventionally cropped field in Wallonia (Belgium).The presence of charcoal in soils resulted in a 91 ± 34% higher C content in CHAR soils than REF soils, of which 84 to 94% was PyOM and 6 to 16% was additional non-PyOM. In CHAR soils, macroaggregation was promoted at the expense of microaggregation (CHARMACRO = 48.9 ± 12.8; CHARMICRO = 25.5 ± 8.3 g 100 g−1 soil) whereas these were similar in REF soils (REFMACRO = 41.3 ± 9.5; REFMICRO = 36.0 ± 8.7 g 100 g−1 soil). Elemental and thermal analyses revealed that PyOM did not only occur as free light fractions but was also occluded in aggregates or sorbed onto mineral phases (56.4 ± 22.9% of total PyOM) suggesting PyOM may be further stabilized through organo-mineral associations. Century-old PyOM showed increased H:C and O:C atomic ratios compared to recently pyrolyzed OM, particularly in occluded as opposed to free light fractions, vouching for the functionalization of its surfaces. Furthermore, regardless of high C contents in CHAR soils, similar C:N ratios between studied soils in mineral dominated fractions suggested increased amounts of N-rich non-PyOM in charcoal rich soils. Our results demonstrate that, over centuries in cultivated soils, PyOM plays an active role in aggregation patterns. We conclude that century old PyOM is broken down from coarse to fine particles, and through functionalization of its surfaces contributes to organo-mineral associations. Beyond its intrinsic chemical recalcitrance, the long-term persistence of biochar is enhanced by occlusion and sorption processes.

Evaluation of environmental effects of heavy metals on biochemical profile and oxidative stress among children at brick kiln sites

The present study was designed to study the health risks among children living at brick kiln industries. A survey was conducted, questionnaires were filled out, and demographic data was collected from Punjab, Pakistan. Heavy metals burden and BMI were calculated, hematological and enzyme analysis, comet assay and hormonal ELISA were performed. The results showed decreased BMI, RBC count and hematocrit in the exposed group. Nickel, cadmium, zinc and chromium concentrations in whole blood were detected among exposed children. Antioxidant enzymes and growth hormone concentration decreased, while reactive oxygen species and cortisol level increased in the exposed group. The comet assay findings showed decreased percentage DNA in the head and increased in the tail region among exposed group. It was concluded that children living at brick kiln sites experienced decreased BMI, altered antioxidant enzymes status and hormone levels and cellular DNA damage that pose a major threat on child health.

Provenancing of pottery from Kamuiyaki Site in East Asia by neutron activation analysis

A set of 20 vessels was selected from the Japanese National Historical Site ‘Kamuiyaki Kiln Site Cluster’. Selection was performed with explicit archaeological problems and the potential of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in mind. The set was analysed by INAA and subsequent statistical data analysis adapted to the specific problems of ceramics and applied for the first time in Kamuiyaki. Chemical fingerprinting allowed the a priori separation of the set of samples into two chemically distinct groups that had a clear correlation with the archaeological and chronological data. This indicates that at least two different recipes or sediments were used in the cluster, which can now be identified among the several hundred external sites where sherds are recorded as supposedly produced at Kamuiyaki.

Goose in the hole! A collection of goose bones from a medieval kiln site in Norfolk

A large collection of goose bones was recovered from excavations at Wheatcroft Farm, Bradwell, Norfolk. The goose bones were of particular interest due to the large quantity present and the presence of medullary bone in some of the specimens. All of the goose bones derived from two 11th-12th century contexts found in close association with a grain drying kiln and related sunken structure. The majority of the bones came from a single posthole. Evidence from body part representation, butchery marks and the occurrence of medullary bone is examined. Domestic geese are common on medieval sites in England and the element distribution and butchery marks are suggestive of waste from carcass preparation for cooking, with the meatiest elements largely having been removed. It seems possible that goose ‘crowns’ were being prepared and then cooked in or close to the kiln. The presence of medullary bone is unusual due to the more seasonal laying behaviour of geese compared to chickens and is examined in detail.

Punic amphorae found at Corinth: provenance analysis and implications for the study of long-distance salt fish trade in the Classical period

The Punic Amphora Building (PAB) at Corinth, Greece, excavated in the late 1970s and dated to the mid-5th century BC, provided a remarkable archaeological context for the study of trade connections between Classical Corinth and the Punic West, based on the finding of hundreds of Punic amphorae and associated fish remains. The first studies indicated that these amphorae were mostly imported from the Straits of Gibraltar region, although the exact area/s of provenance remained undetermined. The recent macroscopic restudy of these amphorae suggested the existence of several fabrics, most probably associated with different production sites in southern Spain and/or northern Morocco. In order to verify this hypothesis, a provenance analysis of this material was performed. A total of 178 amphorae from Corinth’s PAB were analysed through a combination of thin section petrography and elemental analysis by WD-XRF. Further information was obtained from the analysis of reference materials from production areas, including amphorae from known Punic kiln sites in the western Mediterranean and associated potential raw materials for ceramic production. The results indicated that Punic Gadir, present-day Cadiz, was the main supplier of salt fish which was packaged in amphorae and shipped to Corinth in the fifth century BC, although other Punic sites, especially those located on the coast of present-day Malaga province, also participated in these commercial interactions. The results of this research are of particular importance for the study of long-distance trade networks between the eastern and the western Mediterranean in the Classical period.

Study on the coloring mechanism of the Ru celadon glaze in the Northern Song Dynasty

The Ru kiln is one of the five most famous kilns in the Chinese Song Dynasty. To clarify the coloring mechanism of the Ru celadon glaze, the celadon samples from the Ru Guan kiln site of Qingliangsi were analyzed by spectrophotometer, X-ray fluorescence spectrum, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectrum. The results indicated that the molar ratios of SiO2/Al2O3 and CaO/(CaO + Al2O3) affected the formation of micro-bubbles, anorthite crystals and phase separated structures. A large number of bubbles and anorthite crystals formed special glossiness and opacifying effect in the Ru celadon glaze. And then, dense phase separation droplets in the amorphous region were in short-range order, but their diameters (31–46 nm) were too small to form visible structural colors on glaze surfaces. Only “opal effect” was formed by the light scattering, which added the aesthetic feeling for the Ru celadon. Besides, the phase separation droplets intensified the segregation of iron, and thus deepened the chemical color and made the Ru celadon glaze appear green-blue. Due to the neutral to alkaline soil at the Ru Guan kiln site, the water in the soil and its corrosion on the Ru celadon glaze resulted in the formation of Si–OH bond.

A Study on the Relationships between White Wares and Raw Materials Excavated at Goseong-ri Kiln Site in Chuncheon, Yeongseo Province, Gangwon-do

A Study on the Relationships between White Wares and Raw Materials Excavated at Goseong-ri Kiln Site in Chuncheon, Yeongseo Province, Gangwon-do

Remotely-sensed assessment of the impact of century-old biochar on chicory crop growth using high-resolution UAV-based imagery

In recent years, special attention has been given to the long-term effects of biochar on the performance of agro-ecosystems owing to its potential for improving soil fertility, harvested crop yields, and aboveground biomass production. The present experiment was set up to identify the effects on soil-plant systems of biochar produced more than 150 years ago in charcoal mound kiln sites in Wallonia (Belgium). Although the impacts of biochar on soil-plant systems are being increasingly discussed, a detailed monitoring of the crop dynamics throughout the growing season has not yet been well addressed. At present there is considerable interest in applying remote sensing for crop growth monitoring in order to improve sustainable agricultural practices. However, studies using high-resolution remote sensing data to focus on century-old biochar effects are not yet available. For the first time, the impacts of century-old biochar on crop growth were investigated at canopy level using high-resolution airborne remote sensing data over a cultivated field. High-resolution RGB, multispectral and thermal sensors mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were used to generate high frequency remote sensing information on the crop dynamics. UAVs were flown over 11 century-old charcoal-enriched soil patches and the adjacent reference soils of a chicory field. We retrieved crucial crop parameters such as canopy cover, vegetation indices and crop water stress from the UAV imageries. In addition, our study also provides in-situ measurements of soil properties and crop traits. Both UAV-based RGB imagery and in-situ measurements demonstrated that the presence of century-old biochar significantly improved chicory canopy cover, with greater leaf lengths in biochar patches. Weighted difference vegetation index imagery showed a negative influence of biochar presence on plant greenness at the end of the growing season. Chicory crop stress was significantly increased by biochar presence, whereas the harvested crop yield was not affected. The main significant variations observed between reference and century-old biochar patches using in situ measurements of crop traits concerned leaf length. Hence, the output from the present study will be of great interest to help developing climate-smart agriculture practices allowing for adaptation and mitigation to climate.

Scientific Comparison Study on Characteristics of Firing and Making Materials for Sherds Excavated from Celadon Kiln Site of Punggil-ri, Jangheung

본 연구는 장흥 풍길리 ì¶œí† ë„ìžê¸°ë“¤ì˜ 소성특성 등 ì œìž‘ê¸°ìˆ ê³¼ ìž¬ë£Œí•™ì  비교 분석을 통해 상관성을 ë°í˜€ë‚´ê³ ìž 하였다. 색차 분석결과 넓은 영역에서 분포하였으며, ìœ ì•½ì¸µê³¼ íƒœí† ì¸µì˜ 단면 미세조직에서도 청자와 백자, í‘ìœ ìžê¸°, 도기편들이 서로 íŠ¹ì§•ì ì¸ 차이를 보이지 않았다. 구성광물과 열분석을 통해 소성온도를 ì¶”ì •í•œ ê²°ê³¼, 대부분 1100℃에서 소성된 도편과 일부는 1200℃ 이상의 ê³ ì˜¨ 소성된 도편들도 있었다. íƒœí† ì˜ 주요성분분 함량에서도 청자와 백자의 ëª í™•í•œ 구분이 ì–´ë ¤ì› ìœ¼ë©°, 통계분석에서도 ìœ ì•½ì€ 도자기의 ì¢ ë¥˜ì— 따라 3개의 그룹으로 ë¶„ë¥˜í• ìˆ˜ 있으나 íƒœí† ëŠ” 청자와 백자, í‘ìœ ìžê¸°ê°€ ìœ ì‚¬í•œ 1개의 그룹으로 분류된다. 이는 원재료의 차이라기 보다는 수비와 같은 ì •ì„ ê³¼ì •ì—ì„œ 일부 성분이 ì œê±°ë˜ê±°ë‚˜ 첨가되었을 가능성이 높다. 따라서 다양한 도자기를 ì œìž‘í•˜ê³ ìž 하는 ê¸°ìˆ ì ì¸ 시도가 ìžˆì—ˆê³ , 도자기의 ì œìž‘ ê¸°ìˆ ê³¼ 재료가 ì•ˆì •í™”ë˜ì§€ 않은 초기 단계였음을 ê³¼í•™ì  분석을 통해 알 수 있었다. 중심어: 풍길리, 청자, 백자, 소성온도, 상관성

Provenance of Qingbai wares from Shabian kiln archaeological site in the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127 ce) using XRF and LA‐ICP‐MS*

In order to discuss the exact provenance of the Qingbai wares discovered at Shabian archaeological site in Guangzhou, which had a similar appearance to Jingdezhen Qingbai ware, we analysed both the body and glaze of the Qingbai wares from the Shabian kiln site and those from other related kilns, including Hutian in Jingdezhen, Xicun in Guangzhou and Chaozhou of Guangdong, by using micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐XRF) and laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS). Based on the analyses, we found that both bodies and glaze of the Qingbai wares in Shabian had the characteristics of a low abundance of rare earth elements (REE), strong negative Eu anomalies, and remarkably low Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios, which was consistent with those from Hutian kiln in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. We also found that the glaze of Qingbai ware from different kilns also had its provenance characteristic in the concentration of the trace elements, and the change of the REE pattern between glaze and its corresponding bodies in Qingbai wares might provide some clue about the types and source of flux. In addition, the lower Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios in both the bodies and glaze of Jingdezhen Qingbai wares were attributed to the chemical characteristics of the local granite.

The Kiln Sites of the “Torp Chey” Area (Cambodia): Production and Distribution

This article presents the typological and archaeometrical results obtained on the brown glazed stoneware of the Torp Chey kiln sites area. The ceramics were studied as part of the Cerangkor project, and several kiln sites were surveyed and analysed, including : Torp Chey, Veal Svay, Chong Samrong and Teuk Lek. More than sixty samples of brown glazed stoneware from the different kiln sites have been analysed chemically by XRF-WDS, twentyfive among them also petrographically. The data obtained indicate that the different kiln sites use similar raw materials suggesting the exploitation of the same geological formations for the whole area. Only one reference group has been therefore established, distinct from the productions of other Angkorian kiln sites and also from the productions of similar brown glazed stoneware from the Buriram sites (Thailand). Furthermore, the analysis of brown glazed stoneware obtained from consumption sites makes it possible to propose the first map showing the distribution of ceramics from production sites.

Roman pottery production in Civitas Tungrorum, central Belgium, during the first–third centuries ce

Aspects of Roman pottery production at the workshops of Kontich, Tienen, Rumst, Grobbendonk and Clavier‐Vervoz in the Civitas Tungrorum of central Belgium are explored. A total of 150 wasters from five sites were studied macroscopically, as well as via a combination of thin‐section petrography, geochemistry and scanning electron microscopy, in order to gain insights into ceramic technology and aspects of the organization of production. Particular emphasis was given to the individual technological sequences and shared strategies of raw material selection, paste preparation and firing employed at the five adjacent sites. The integration of petrographic and geochemical data permitted the establishment of compositional reference groups for the Roman kiln sites of Civitas Tungrorum, which can be used to track their products within the surrounding landscape.

Characterizing the chemical composition of Tang Sancai wares from five Tang dynasty kiln sites

This article aims, firstly, to characterize the chemical composition of the body samples from the Tang Sancai kiln sites of Huangye, Huangbao, Liquanfang, Xing, and Qionglai. While Huangye, Huangbao, and Liquanfang are located near the capital cities of Chang'an and Luoyang, the local kiln sites of Qionglai in Sichuan province and Xing in Hebei province are selected for comparative study. We find that the body samples from these sites maybe all made of local clay. Kaolin is used for producing the body samples from the kiln sites of Huangye, Huangbao, and Xing, but the content of K2O and TiO2 are different among them. At the kiln sites of Liquanfang and Qionglai, however, iron-rich ‘red clay’ and calcium-rich ‘yellow clay’ are used instead. The article also aims to characterize the glaze samples from the two kiln sites of Huangye and Huangbao. We find that the Si/Al ratios of these samples are considerably higher than the respective body samples, which implies the intentional addition of siliceous raw material to the glaze. We suspect that only the yellow glaze samples from the Huangye Kiln are mainly made of kaolin, whereas the green glaze samples from both kilns and the brown glaze samples from the Huangbao Kiln are mainly made of other source of siliceous materials. The distinct chemical composition of the Tang Sancai wares from the kilns would be instrumental for tracing the provenance of Tang Sancai wares from other contexts.

Amphora production in the Guadalquivir valley (Spain) during the Late Roman period: petrographic, mineralogical, and chemical characterization of reference groups

This paper presents a scientific analysis of Late Roman amphorae from four kiln sites located in the Guadalquivir river basin: Azanaque-Castillejo (AZ), Isla de la Barqueta (IB), Las Monjas-Soto del Rey (SR), and Picachos (PIC). This region was a significant producer and exporter of oil in the Roman Empire and also during the Late Roman period. The amphorae analyzed belong to type Dressel 23 and were used for trading oil to other Mediterranean regions. A total of 36 amphora samples were analyzed by using a combination of instrumental analytical techniques, including thin-section optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence, in order to establish reference groups based on the petrographic, mineralogical, and chemical characterization of the materials. The amphorae from the four kiln sites showed approximately similar petrographic fabrics and chemical compositions, as well as strong technological similarities. However, there are slight petrographic and/or chemical differences that allowed for the differentiation of three reference groups (AZ, SR, and IB-PIC). These groups were also compared with existing reference groups for Early Roman amphorae in the same area, and compositional differences were also observed. This is the first time that compositional reference groups for Late Roman amphora kiln sites in the Guadalquivir valley are characterized. Hence, the results of this research not only contribute new evidence on the study of oil amphora production in this region, but they will also serve as a basis for the identification and sourcing of these amphorae in consumption sites and, consequently, for a better understanding of trade networks during the Late Roman period.

The Long-Term Effect of Biochar on Soil Microbial Abundance, Activity and Community Structure Is Overwritten by Land Management

Soil amendment with biochar can modify soil microbial abundance, activity and community structure. Nevertheless, the long-term evolution of these effects is unknown and of critical importance because biochar persists in soil for centuries. We selected nine charcoal kiln sites (CKS) from forest (4 sites) and cropland (5 sites) and determined microbial properties of their topsoil, largely enriched with charcoal for > 150 years. Adjacent soils were used as references unaffected by charcoal production. Soils were incubated in controlled conditions and emissions of CO2 were measured during 138 days. At day 68, an aliquot was sampled from each soil to determine microbial abundance and community structure by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Before the extraction, one standard PLFA (C21:0 PC) was added to soil to test the influence of charcoal on PLFAs recovery. The content of uncharred SOC and pH explained a main part of the variance of soil CO2 emissions, which supports the view that charcoal had a limited effect on soil respiration. The recovery of C21:0 PC was increased in presence of aged charcoal, which contrasts with the decreased recovery recorded shortly after biochar application. This underlines that properties of charcoal evolve dramatically over time, and that a long-term vision is critical in the perspective of amending soils with biochar. Land-use had an overriding control on microbial community structure, surpassing the effect of a vast amount of charcoal present in the soil. In forest, 10 PLFAs from gram positive and general bacteria were significantly different between CKS and adjacent reference soils, whereas in cropland only four PLFAs from fungi, gram negative bacteria and actinomycetes were significantly affected. These results suggest that the long-term effect of charcoal on soil microbiota is overwritten by management practices. Biochar properties must therefore be regarded altogether with soil conditions to correctly design a successful soil amendment with biochar. Additionally, the absence of relationship between individual PLFAs and charcoal-C supports the idea that the long-term effect of charcoal is related to a modification of soil ecological niche (e.g. nutrient availability, pH) rather than to an alteration of the source of organic C available to biota.

Archaeometrical study of Khmer stoneware from the Angkorian period: Results from the Cerangkor Project

In the area around Angkor, Cambodia, several ceramics kilns dating from the ninth to 15th centuries ce have been discovered since 1995. The technical, typological and compositional characterization of their production has been one of the main goals of the Cerangkor Project. Samples of green‐glazed ‘Kulen‐type' stoneware and non‐glazed stoneware produced in five kiln sites in the Angkor region were analysed chemically by wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (WDS‐XRF) and also petrographically. The data indicate that some workshops used similar raw materials for the same types of ceramics, suggesting the exploitation of the same geological formations in the whole region. Several references groups were established for each type of stoneware offering an important database for future provenance studies of sherds from consumption sites.