Lead-glazed Pottery Research Articles

Exploring circulation dynamics in Han Dynasty China: insights from isotopic analysis of lead glazed pottery

This study investigates lead provenance and circulation patterns in Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD) China through the analysis of lead glazed pottery. Four objects were studied using a combination of typological study, elemental chemistry and lead isotope ratio analysis. The results for each object were compared with databases of ‘lead mining districts’ (lead deposits) and ‘lead usage districts’ (lead-containing artifacts unearthed in different spatial and temporal ranges) to assess the lead sources used for each sample and offers a spatial-temporal range of the use of these lead resources. Three distinct groups of lead and their possible circulating spatial-temporal scales are identified across six samples in this study. A possible change in lead supply networks between the Western Han Dynasty (202BC-9AD) and the Eastern Han Dynasty (25AD-220AD) is proposed. This study also highlights the probable changes in the movement of lead resources from the Western Han Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty (618AD-690AD), suggesting improvements in long-distance transport capabilities, and the development of economic divisions and exchange connections in ancient Chinese society. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the economic and political dynamics during the Han Dynasty and emphasize the significance of lead isotope analysis of glazed pottery in exploring resource movement.

Risk assessment for soil contamination from artisanal lead-glazed pottery production in Maragogipinho, Bahia, Brazil

Pollution risk analyses are essential for the management of contaminated sites. In the village of Maragogipinho, Bahia, Brazil, artisans have been producing decorative and utilitarian pottery for almost 300 years. A lead-glaze is used on some of the products causing health concerns. An estimation of indexes for pollution and ecological and human health risks in the region around the pottery workshops was performed. The soil Pb content data from a recent study was used to evaluate the ecological and health risk indicators. These showed high values close to the pottery workshops. The risk for disease through Pb soil contamination is very high for children and high for adults close to the pottery workshops. It is estimated that about 1270 people are at risk in this region.

The Emergence of Lead-Glazed Pottery in the Late Hellenistic and Roman Mediterranean: New Investigations at Mytilene, Athens, and Ostia

The Emergence of Lead-Glazed Pottery in the Late Hellenistic and Roman Mediterranean: New Investigations at Mytilene, Athens, and Ostia

The corrosion mechanism of lead-glazed pottery in Han dynasty

Ancient pottery, having endured prolonged burial in soil, invariably underwent the process of glaze corrosion. The micromorphology and structural composition of four lead-glazed pottery fragments dating back to the Han Dynasty, excavated in the Qinhan New Town within Xixian New area of Xi’an are elucidated by comprehensive analysis method. The results reveal that the corrosion products predominantly comprised PbCO3, Pb3(PO4)2, CaCO3, and Ca3(PO4)2. Concurrently, the presence of organic substances exhibiting characteristic self-excitation fluorescence in the cracks of the sample is identified through fluorescence microscopy and Fourier infrared spectroscopy. Through a comparative analysis of well-preserved and severely corroded samples, taking into account compositional analysis, observations of corrosion morphology, and the characteristics of corrosion products, it is deduced that the primary corrosion mechanisms involve chemical corrosion, microbial corrosion, and crack corrosion. This study provides a comprehensive depiction of glaze corrosion process inherent to lead-glazed pottery and establishes corresponding corrosion models.

Pilot Monitoring of Lead in Umbilical Cord Blood of Newborns Associated With the Use of Glazed Ceramics from Guanajuato, Mexico.

The use of lead-glazed pottery for cooking and storing food, a widespread practice in Mexico, represents a risk of exposure to lead from the human intrauterine stage. Therefore, a pilot study was carried out by means of the measurement of lead in umbilical cord blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) including 69 newborns from the Mexican state capital of Guanajuato, Guanajuato City, where the use of glazed clay is still widespread. Lifestyle and sociodemographic data were collected by interviewing the participating mothers. Hematological parameters and the anthropometry of the newborns and their mothers were analyzed; likewise, the G177C polymorphism in the ALAD gene was genotyped by PCR-RFLP as a marker of genetic vulnerability to lead. The geometric mean of lead in umbilical cord blood was 0.7µg/dL (< limit of detection = 0.01-28.22). Boys presented higher values than girls (p = 0.03). Only 5.8% of these were above the safety value of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of 3.5µg/dL. Correlations among lead concentrations, maternal age, weeks of gestation, newborn anthropometry, and hematological parameters were not found; however, the participating mothers who reported using glazed ceramics for cooking or storing food had the highest cord-blood lead concentrations (p = 0.04). Regarding genotyping, 97% had ALAD 1, while 3% had ALAD 1, 2; unfortunately, the sample size did not allow analysis of genetic vulnerability to lead. The preparation and conservation of food in handcrafted clay pottery increased the risk of having cord-blood lead values higher than those recommended by the CDC of 3.5µg/dL (OR = 5; 95% CI:1.3-23; p = 0.01). Our preliminary results suggest that there continues to be intrauterine exposure to lead in Guanajuato.

Tracking the source of lead of medieval glazed pottery of the Meuse valley (Belgium) through lead isotope analyses

Lead isotope analyses (by MC-ICP-MS) have been performed on lead-glazed pottery artefacts from several production and consumption sites in the Meuse basin (Belgium) spanning a long-time period from the 9th to the 16th century CE. Comparison of the lead isotope data of the glazes from three Mosan workshops with those of galenas from Palaeozoic (Variscan) Pb-Zn deposits from both Belgium and Western Germany points to a common Pb source that we identify as the regional Pb deposits hosted in Dinantian limestones of the Ardenno-Rhenish Massif, more specifically in the Namur and Verviers synclines in Belgium and in the Aachen-Stolberg mining district in Germany. The overall similarity of isotopic compositions between the medieval artefacts and the Variscan galenas implies that the Mosan medieval potters used accessible local Pb-Zn ores mined between Namur and Huy. On the consumption sites of Dinant, the slightly different isotopic compositions of some potteries suggest that other regional Pb sources were used to produce the glazes. A comparison with Roman lead objects discovered in north-western Europe (Northern Gaul) shows the very good correspondence of the Pb isotopic compositions with those of the Medieval artefacts which indicates a very long continuity of regional lead supply and consequently of lead ore mining.

Lead-Glazed Pottery at Late Medieval Corinth: Assessing Craft Production and Trade at a Greek City under Western Influence

We present a multimethod analysis of 97 lead-glazed tablewares from the so-called Frankish Area at Corinth, at the time of the transition from Frankish feudalism to an administration by powerful Florentine bankers, then the Despotate of the Morea in the late 13th to early 15th century a.d. This sector of the medieval city appears to have been continuously occupied after the Catalan raid of 1312. The results shed new light on the late years of the Corinthian Sgraffito ware industry, and on the role of northern Italian trading cities and their possessions overseas as production and distribution centers of lead-glazed pottery, including imitations of Zeuxippus and other Byzantine wares using specific glaze recipes and pigments.

A Summary of the Comparative Study of Lead-Glazed Pottery in Han Dynasty and Ancient Egypt

During the reign of Emperor Wudi of the Western Han Dynasty, lead-glazed pottery was successfully fired in China. Compared with previous pottery, glazed pottery was more suitable for use because of its advantages of low water absorption and high finish. However, in the world, the use of glazed pottery technology first appeared not in China, but in ancient Egypt, so there is also a saying that the lead glaze technology on the Han Dynasty pottery was spread from the western regions, rather than the invention of Chinese craftsmen. In this article, the author will try to make a comparative study and analysis of lead-glazed pottery in Han Dynasty and ancient Egypt from the aspects of process principle, product use and aesthetic fashion.

A technological combination of lead-glaze and calcium-glaze recently found in China: Scientific comparative analysis of glazed ceramics from Shangyu, Zhejiang Province.

To study the relationship between the glazed pottery from southern China and the lead-glazed pottery in northern China in the Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD), 34 samples unearthed from Shangyu(上虞), Zhejiang Province have been studied by LA-ICP-AES, SEM/EDS and XRD. The results showed that these samples included the typical lead-glazed pottery, the proto-porcelain and the glazed pottery using both lead and calcium as glaze fluxing agents. Previously, the lead-glazed pottery type was considered as the main northern products during the Han dynasty while the calcium-glazed pottery type or the proto-porcelain was the representative of the south of China. However, apart from the two typical types above, a new variety of glaze categorized as the calcium-lead glaze was discovered in the samples from Shangyu. This indicates that there were technology exchanges and amalgamation of lead-glaze and calcium-glaze between the south and the north during the Han Dynasty. As a result, a new type of glazed potteries with both features was created, which had a more beautiful appearance than the proto-porcelain but perhaps had some undesirable aspects. The manufacturing process of the new variety might also lay foundations for the invention of celadon.

Lead in mangrove root crab (Goniopsis cruentata) and risk assessment due to exposure for estuarine villagers

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated lead (Pb) content in mangrove root crabs Goniopsis cruentata and performed a risk assessment based on individual frequency of food consumption of the residents of an estuarine village in Brazil. The Pb content in the raw and two forms of processed crabs were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Based on consumption by the community, estimates of non-carcinogenic target hazard quotients (THQ) were calculated. The mean (± SD) Pb concentrations in raw tissues were: 0.17 (± 0.36), < 0.012 and 0.05 (± 0.09) mg kg−1 (gills, muscle and hepatopancreas), respectively. In the processed products, the highest levels were found in the traditional stew collected in April (2.84 mg kg−1), surpassing the maximum limit allowed. The THQ for consumption of traditional stew was < 1, classified as negligible risk. The G. cruentata of the Jaguaripe River estuary can be considered a safe food, but cooking should be avoided in lead-glazed pottery.

The association of lead exposure during pregnancy and childhood anthropometry in the Mexican PROGRESS cohort

Lead exposure during pregnancy remains a public health problem with potential lifelong impacts on children's growth and development. Mexico is unique in that stunting and obesity are both major public health concerns in children. This situation might be exacerbated by lead exposure which remains more common in Mexico than in the United States due in part to the use of lead glazed pottery in food preparation and storage. Our objective is to determine how lead exposure during pregnancy is associated with children's growth parameters, including height, weight, body mass index and percentage body fat measured between ages 4–6 years old in a Mexico City pregnancy cohort. Blood lead was collected in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy as well as at delivery. Bone lead was assessed in mothers as a long term exposure biomarker. We performed multivariable linear regression analyses to assess the association between each of these lead exposure biomarkers and child anthropometry.We found a significant negative association between maternal 3rd trimester blood lead concentration and offspring height for age (β−0.10; 95% CI −0.19, −0.01), and a negative association between maternal 3rd trimester blood lead concentration and weight for age (β−0.11; 95% CI −0.22,−0.003). Our results in this Mexican population add to previous findings of an association of lead and decreased stature and weight in early childhood. Ongoing follow-up and longitudinal analyses may help elucidate how this impacts growth trajectory and other children's health outcomes.

Lead in candy consumed and blood lead levels of children living in Mexico City

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that lead exposure continues to pose a health risk in Mexico. Children are a vulnerable population for lead effects and Mexican candy has been found to be a source of exposure in children. There are no previous studies that estimates lead concentrations in candy that children living in Mexico City consume and its association with their blood lead level. ObjectivesTo evaluate whether there is an association between reported recent consumption of candies identified to have lead, and blood lead levels among children in Mexico City. MethodsA subsample of 171 children ages 2–6 years old, from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohort study was assessed between June 2006 and July 2007. The candy reported most frequently were analyzed for lead using ICP-MS. The total weekly intake of lead through the consumption of candy in the previous week was calculated. Capillary blood lead levels (BLL) were measured using LeadCare (anodic stripping voltammetry). ResultsLead concentrations ≥0.1ppm, the FDA permitted level (range: 0.13–0.7ppm) were found in 6 samples out of 138 samples from 44 different brands of candy. Median BLL in children was 4.5µg/dl. After adjusting for child’s sex, age, BMI, maternal education & occupation, milk consumption, sucking the candy wrapper, use of lead-glazed pottery, child exposure behavior, living near a lead exposure site and use of folk remedies, an increase of 1µg of lead ingested through candy per week was associated with 3% change (95% CI: 0.1%, 5.2%) in BLL. ConclusionsAlthough lead concentrations in candy were mostly below the FDA permitted level, high lead concentrations were detected in 4% of the candy samples and 12% of brands analyzed. Although candy intake was modestly associated with children’s BLL, lead should not be found in consumer products, especially in candy that children can consume due to the well documented long-lasting effect of lead exposure.

The Museum of Ethnography’s Haban ceramics in Budapest

The Ceramics Collection in the Museum of Ethnography contains around 2300 faience objects, of which 60 are classical Haban vessels and at least 1500 are Late Haban pieces. There are examples of transition between Haban style periods and exceptions that make this collection unique, compared to other collections of Haban objects. The largest collection in Hungary of Late Haban objects is also found here. The study presents the most interesting pieces, how the larger groups entered the collection, and the different object groups. It describes 45 archaeological finds unearthed on the sites of three Haban settlements, that provide valuable information on the technique used to make them. Based on the ornamentations on a Haban product from 1732 we can date and identify two types from Nagylévárd (now Veľké Leváre, Slovakia): one with coloured painting and the other one with blue ornamentation on a white ground). The study calls for a debate on ceramics history to clarify questions related to both Haban and lead-glazed pottery produced in a micro-region by the German-speaking people living in the mining towns in the first half of the 18th century. Late Haban ware was popular throughout the entire territory of Hungary in the 18th to 19th centuries. Examples have been found in almost all micro-regions.

Integrated investigations for the characterisation of Roman lead-glazed pottery from Pompeii and Herculaneum (Italy)

AbstractA multi-analytical approach was used to investigate Roman lead-glazed ceramic artefacts from archaeological excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum (Italy) aiming at defining the production technology of both glaze and ceramic body, by way of integrated investigations. The chemical, structural, and micro-morphological characterisations were performed using a combination of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Fragments of artefacts (skyphoi, oil lamps, bowls, askoi, amphorae, krateres) of great historical and archaeological interest were sampled. LA-ICP-MS was used to determine the elemental composition by virtue of its effective lateral resolution, its ability to detect most elements and also to analyse comparably small samples. All the archaeological objects were coated with a lead-based glaze produced using a lead oxide-plus-quartz mixture, with sodium/potassium feldspars added as a flux and two different metals used: copper and iron. Two types of ceramic pastes have been identified, but chemometric techniques support the hypothesis of a Campanian provenance for the raw materials. Degradation phenomena such as the partial devitrification of the glaze, i.e. the slow structural reorganisation towards stable crystalline phases, and the leaching by mineral dissolution in the soil, were determined.

Lead in School Children from Morelos, Mexico: Levels, Sources and Feasible Interventions

Background: Lead is a pervasive pollutant, associated at low levels to many adverse health effects. Objective: To investigate lead levels, exposure pathways and intervention possibilities in school children from Alpuyeca, in Morelos, Mexico. Methods: Blood lead concentrations (BPb) were measured in 226 children in 2011. Exposure pathways were assessed through a questionnaire, lead measurements in different environmental matrices and spatial aggregation analysis of lead concentrations. Results: BPb ranged from 1.5 to 36.5 µg/dL, with a mean (SD) of 7.23 (4.9) µg/dL. Sixty-four and 18% of the children had BPb > 5 µg/dL and > 10 µg/dL, respectively. The use of lead glazed ceramics was reported in almost half of the households; it was the main BPb determinant and it was associated with an increased risk of having BPb > 5 g/dL by 2.7 times (p = 0.001). Environmental samples were within US EPA’s lead recommended limits, and blood lead levels were randomly distributed in the community. Conclusions: Lead remains a public health problem in Alpuyeca, Mexico. Unlike other local pollutants, lead exposure prevention can be achieved inexpensively and in a short term. Interventions should make mothers aware of lead’s health effects and empower them to safeguard their children’s health by avoiding the culturally ingrained use of lead glazed pottery.

Environmental health in Alpuyeca, México. An ecosystem approach.

Background: Alpuyeca has a complex environmental health problematic showing high lead concentrations in children blood samples, high incidence in dengue and gastrointestinal diseases and high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in agricultural and habitational soils (range 41 mg/kg-34,710 mg/kg). Aims: Identify, quantify and reduce environmental health risks in Alpuyeca involving the proactive participation of community, authorities and multidisciplinary team of researchers. Methods: Participatory action research (PAR) with environmental health methods (environmental sampling, biomarkers, risk assessment) and health promotion methods (coalitions buildings, PRECEDE-PROCEED model). Results: A participative space was created (CASITA) for collaboration and activities planning. Baseline study showed fecal contamination evidence (bacteria, enteric virus) founded in two wells, 3 river sampling points (recreational areas) and 20 houses. An average of blood lead levels of 7.3 ?g/dl (range 1.5-36.5) in 216 children from 6 to 12 years of age, 65 % &gt;=5?g/dl. 48% of the participating homes use cooking lead-glazed pottery, 37% has dirt floor. After prioritization the accomplished interventions were: a participatory management plan according to the potable water flow chart critical point, that allowed to estimate escapes in water supply system of the order of 40 %; workshops to reduce lead effects and visits to children with lead levels &gt;=10 ?g/dl, reducing lead levels from 14.7 to 6.8 ?g/dl in this children; dengue control and good solid waste management integral intervention, reducing from 40% to 6.7% the house index and the Breteau index from 50% to 13.3%; focus groups to evaluate the PAR. Future actions: implementing the participatory water management plan, reduction of lead sources, disposal and treatment of capacitors containing PCBs, CASITAS´s survival plan. Conclusions: The ecosystem approach turns to a greater impact on complex environmental health issues.

Characterization of lead glazed potteries from Smyrna (İzmir/Turkey) using multiple analytical techniques; Part II: Body

Lead glazed pottery was one of the most important ceramic ware groups for the Late Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman cultures in Anatolia. They were produced in different places in Anatolia such as Tarsus, İznik, Smyrna, Clazomenae, Ephesus and Perge. This study represents the detailed study of 18 lead glazed potteries sherds excavated in Ayasuluk region (Smyrna) regarding the production technology. Different characterization techniques were applied: wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) was performed for determination of the chemical content of the bodies, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and micro-Raman techniques were performed for mineralogical characterization of the sherds body, whereas scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with the combination of energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) was performed for microstructural and microchemical characteristics of pottery sherds. Principle component analysis of the obtained WDXRF results of the potsherds bodies show that most of the sherds (except two) belong to the same group of potteries. XRD results showed that calcium-poor clays were used for the production of the bodies with firing temperature in a range from 600 to 1000 °C. Raman spectra provided information on the presence of minerals in bodies: carbon, graphite, albite, anatase, rutile, apatite, magnetite and several origin markers such as spessartine, phlogopite, hornblende, olivine and sphalerite.

Childhood Blood Lead Reductions Following Removal of Leaded Ceramic Glazes in Artisanal Pottery Production: A Success Story

Background. Lead exposure within artisanal ceramics workshop communities in Mexico continues to be a major source of childhood lead poisoning. Artisanal ceramics workshops expose children through direct ingestion, contaminated soil, and food prepared in lead-glazed pottery. Conversion to non-lead glazes alone may not effectively reduce exposure. This paper describes a model comprehensive intervention and environmental remediation of an artisanal ceramics workshop in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Objectives. The purpose of the project was to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental interventions—including removal of lead-contaminated equipment, soil and pottery—on childhood blood lead levels. Methods. A typical artisanal workshop using lead glaze was identified and assessed for lead contamination. Baseline blood lead levels (BLL) were taken from 5 children inhabiting the workshop prior to remediation. Follow-up paired BLL were taken 3- and 12-months post-remediation and results compared. Results. A mean 54% decrease in BLL within 3 months of remediation and a 57% decrease within 1 year was observed. Conclusions. This project shows the effectiveness of environmental lead remediation at artisanal Mexican ceramics workshops for purposes of sustained BLL reductions. Application of the methods presented in this paper to other ceramics workshops using lead glaze in central Mexico will likely help to further reduce childhood lead poisoning.

The Medieval lead-glazed pottery from Nogara (north-east Italy): a multi-methodological study

The present work focuses on the archaeometric characterisation of 10th–11th-century lead-glazed pottery from Nogara (Verona, north-east Italy), with the main aim of defining the production technology of both glaze and clay body, through a multi-methodological approach.All the glazes, transparent and yellow to green in colour, are 20–100 μm thick, texturally homogeneous and variable in composition, with high lead content (PbO: 53–76 wt%), variable silicon (SiO2: 17–31 wt%), low aluminium (Al2O3: 4–7 wt%) and alkalis (Na2O + K2O: 0.6–1.7 wt%) and iron, acting as colourant (FeO about 2 wt%). The ceramic bodies are illitic non-calcareous clay-based, the textural features of which indicate neither depuration nor tempering, and firing temperatures generally under 850 °C. Microstructural, chemical and mineralogical evidence suggests that the Nogara glazes were produced by applying to the unfired ceramic body a lead compound flux, which caused partial melting and chemical diffusion phenomena in and outside the ceramic body. Small (<5 μm) newly-formed K–Pb feldspar crystallites, with euhedral morphologies, were also identified at the body–glaze interface of all samples, suggesting uniform firing techniques. The glaze colour, related to chromophorous FeO, must be considered as unintentional. Comparisons between Nogara samples with the same type of ceramics from various sites of the Mediterranean area and European countries, covering a wide time-span (Roman times to Modern age) show general chemical uniformity of the lead coating composition over the centuries, from whichever archaeological site the samples come. In addition, the results reported here further support the hypothesis that, in Italy, the tradition of using non-calcareous clay in combination with lead compound by itself, appeared in late antiquity, continued until mid-Medieval times.

Data on the lead-glazed pottery discovered on the Dacian sites Brad (Bacău Co.) and Poiana (Galaţi Co.)

The article presents the lead-glazed pottery discovered on the Dacian sites Brad (Bacău Co.) and Poiana (Galaţi Co.). The identified items were either mould-made or wheel-made, and their relief decoration was moulded or applied in barbotine. The identified decorative motifs form three categories that are typical for this ceramic group: fi gurative decoration, vegetal decoration, and ornamental decoration. Th e identifi ed shapes and auxiliary elements – Ringhenkelskyphos Ia, cups, Daumenplatte 1 – and also the decorative motifs – Ionian kyma, stylized hearts, myrtle wreaths with berries, stylized vegetal decoration – have good analogies in Asia Minor; two of the items under discussion (no. 4-5) might have been produced in the center of Mytilene. In the absence of clear details on the contexts in which these items were discovered in the Dacian settlements, they can be dated to a wide interval between the end of the 1st century B.C. and early 2nd century A.D.