A study of the glazing techniques and provenances of Tang sancai glazes using elemental and lead isotope analyses

Abstract

This study discusses the elemental compositions and lead isotope ratios of Tang sancai glazes unearthed from the Huangpu kiln, Huangye kiln and two Tang sancai tomb sites. The various glazes feature distinct lead isotope ratios and trace element characteristics, which can be interpreted as evidence for the use of different lead ore deposits and siliceous raw materials in the glazes. This is a strong indication that lead isotopes combined with trace element analysis could be used as a viable approach for identifying the provenance of Tang sancai of unknown origin by linking them to kiln sites, This provenance technique could be significant in the interpretation of ancient ceramic trade and communication patterns. In this study, the provenance of several Tang sancai glazes of uncertain origin were determined using this method: some Tang sancai wares unearthed in Xi'an City were produced in the kiln near Luoyang City and then traded to Xi'an City, providing an idea of ancient Tang sancai ceramic trade routes.

New light on plant ash glass found in Africa: Evidence for Indian Ocean Silk Road trade using major, minor, trace element and lead isotope analysis of glass from the 15th—16th century AD from Malindi and Mambrui, Kenya

“…Zr, Ti, Ba, Cr and La can be found in various minerals in rocks or sediments such as zircon (Zr), rutile (Ti), ilmenite (Ti), monazite (La), chromite (Cr) and barite (Ba). The variation of their concentrations reflects the local geology of the sand precursors and allows us to differentiate sand sources used to make glass [38,39].…”

Multimethod characterization of terracotta figurines and lime mortar from the elite burials Shoroon Bumbagar I and II, Mongolia

“…Notably, Tang sancai is a lead‐glazed ceramic and the lead glaze is generally composed of three parts: a lead compound (PbO between 39.45 and 64.34 wt.%), and a silica and colorant, such as Fe, Cu, Co, and Mn (Cui, Lei, et al, 2010; Shen et al, 2019). As can be seen from FigureS2, no traces of lead were detected by the EDX.…”

“…So far, five main kilns producing Tang sancai ceramics have been found in China (Chang et al, 2020; Lei et al, 2007; Ma et al, 2014); each kiln has a unique elemental fingerprint. In addition, lead isotopes combined with trace element analysis have also been used to identify the provenance of Tang sancai of unknown origin by linking them to their respective kiln sites (Cui, Lei, et al, 2010; Shen et al, 2019).…”

Provenance study of the glazed tiles body in the Mingzhongdu site

“…The glazed tiles reached their peak in both application and production techniques during the Ming dynasty and were widely used in high‐level and religious buildings such as royal houses, altar temples, tombs, temple towers and palaces. Compared with other glazed products such as Tangsancai (Lei, 2007; Lei et al, 2005; Lei & Feng, 2002; Lei, Feng, Feng, & Chai, 2007; Miao & Lu, 2001; Shen, Henderson, Evans, Chenery, & Zhao, 2018) and ceramics (Belfiore, La Russa, Barca, & Galli, 2014; Ma, Zhu, & Henderson, 2012; Santos, Munita, & Valério, 2006; Sorcha & Diskin, 2016; Tripati, Parthiban, & Pattan, 2017), studies on the production technology and provenance of glazed tiles are relatively scarce (Yang, Yang, & Yao, 2018, 2019). Progress has been made in recent years, especially on glazed tiles used in heritage buildings in Nanjing and Beijing, the capitals of the Ming and Qing dynasties (ANCIENT, 2008; Ding et al, 2013; Ding, Duan, Kang, Wu, & Miao, 2011; Duan, Ding, Liang, Dou, & Miao, 2011; Kang, 2013; Kang, Wang, Duan, Chen, & Miao, 2013; Li, Ding, Chen, & Miao, 2013).…”