Ancient Ceramic Casting Molds from the Southern Russian Far East: Identification of Alloy Traces via Application of Nondestructive SEM-EDS and pXRF Methods

Abstract

The investigation presented in this paper is a unique assemblage of ceramic casting molds discovered at one of the sites from the Bohai period (698–926) in the territory of the southern Russian Far East. The main research aim is to recognize probable traces of metal alloys cast in ceramic molds. Nondestructive pXRF and SEM-EDS methods were used as the research instruments for detecting the expected alloys’ chemical components. As a result, the elements Pb, Sn, Cu, and As were indicated at the surfaces of the molds’ cavities with evidence of carbonization caused by the casting process. Preliminarily, two groups of alloys were distinguished: lead-bearing alloys and lead-free alloys. Our new insights are in good accordance with the results of previous investigations on chemical compositions of bronzes from the Bohai period archaeological sites of the southern Russian Far East. In particular, data on the examination of ceramic molds confirm the conclusion that various kinds of copper alloys were known and used in the bronze casting craft of the Bohai period.

Microstructural Investigation of Some Bronze Artifacts Discovered in a Dacian Site Using Non-Destructive Methods

“…Plastic deformation is excluded because of the brittle intermetallic compounds presence. Data in literature report the presence of ceramic molds related to the bronze artifacts casting such as pendants and buttons [53]; unfortunately, no casting mold was found in the proximity of our mirror fragment, but some ceramic molds for bronze chain links casting were found during previous archeological campaigns at Alun-Piatra Rosie [9]. It should be an interesting item to be searched in further archeological investigation at Alun-Piatra Rosie site.…”

Metals in Heritage Science

“…This book presents a collection of manuscripts from cutting-edge academic researchers and consists of the following: (i) one review paper regarding fractographic, metallographic and chemical analyses as key tools for improving the interpretation of damage in historical copper and silver alloys [1]; (ii) six experimental research papers focused on the chemical and metallurgical characterization of ancient artifacts such as ceramic casting molds, Nuragic bronze objects, Renaissance swords, Japanese metallic threads and an emblematic copper-based alloy monument [2][3][4][5][6][7]; (iii) two research articles on the use of oxygen depletion testing for quantitatively measuring the deterioration of historical metals and on the employment of different portable/transportable devices to assess the effects of the bronze disease phenomenon [8,9]; (iv) one experimental research paper that aims to determine the optimal application conditions of a new multifunctional coating containing Ag-doped TiO 2 nanoparticles, when used as a possible protective agent for sandstone [10].…”

“…Concerning the chemical and metallurgical characterization of ancient artifacts, the first relevant contribution was proposed by Zhushchikhovskaya and Buravlev [2]. The article examined a unique assemblage of ceramic casting molds, discovered at one of the sites from the Bohai period (698-926 CE) in the territory of the southern Russian Far East, with the aim of identifying possible traces of metal alloys inside them.…”