An insight into a Shang dynasty bronze vessel by nuclear techniques
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Date
2023-01-25
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
A bronze wine vessel attributed to 1600–1046 B.C., Shang dynasty in China, an object from the East Asian Collection of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences in Sydney (Australia), was studied using a non-destructive scientific analytical protocol based on the synergic combination of nuclear techniques. Gamma spectrometry, neutron-computed tomography, and proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy were applied to gain a better insight into the structural and compositional features of the artefact to prove its authenticity. Gamma spectrometry was performed to assess the risk of excessive sample activation induced by long exposure to the neutron beam and to determine the bulk elemental composition. Based on neutron-computed tomography, the porosities and the thickness of the metal wall were evaluated and found consistent with the piece-mould casting technology adopted by craftsmen during the Shang dynasty in China. Finally, PIXE spectroscopy demonstrated the use of a ternary (copper–tin-leaded) alloy and the nature of mineralisation on the surface. © 2023 The authors.
Description
Keywords
Bronze, Cultural objects, Gamma spectrometers, Tomography, PIXE analysis, Neutron beams
Citation
Salvemini, F., Pastuovic, Z., Stopic, A., Kim, M.-J., & Gatenby, S. (2023). An insight into a Shang dynasty bronze vessel by nuclear techniques. Applied Sciences, 13(3), 1549. doi:10.3390/app13031549