SEM–EDS and μ-XRD study of the niello inlays of a unique late Roman silver augur staff (lituus) from Brigetio, Pannonia (Hungary)

Mozgai, Viktória; Topa, Boglárka Anna; Weiszburg, Tamás G.; Mráv, Zsolt; Bajnóczi, Bernadett

doi:10.1007/s12520-018-0750-3

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Among inlaying techniques, niello is a black metal sulfide of one or more metals that can be fused or inlaid into the recess engraved in metal including silver, gold and copper-based alloy. Its origin is still obscure 18,19 . The first conclusive evidence of niello dates from the first century CE 18,20,21 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The composition of niello changed over the course of time. During the Roman period, niello was typically composed of the sulfide of one metal, such as silver or copper, for objects made of the same metals [18][19][20] . There is evidence to suggest that silver-copper sulfide was used intentionally at the end of the fifth century CE, and that silver-copper-lead sulfide was used in Eastern Europe from the eleventh century CE 18,20 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Published niello analyses suggest that silver sulfide was decorated on gold objects between the fourth-fourteenth centuries CE 20,21 . Silver sulfide niello was produced by melting silver and excess sulfur together 19,20,23 . Modern experiments suggest that silver sulfide can only be applied to a metal recess in solid form because silver sulfide is easily decomposed before reaching its melting point (861 °C) in an oxidizing atmosphere; it is thus practical to heat the niello to about 600 °C to soften it, after which it can be applied 20,21,24 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Modern experiments suggest that silver sulfide can only be applied to a metal recess in solid form because silver sulfide is easily decomposed before reaching its melting point (861 °C) in an oxidizing atmosphere; it is thus practical to heat the niello to about 600 °C to soften it, after which it can be applied 20,21,24 . Literary sources from the Early Medieval period described the manufacturing procedure of the niello technique as follows: pulverise the niello, mix it with borax and water, then fill the mixture into the engraved recesses before heating it in situ 19,20 . Strikingly, with regard to the V-shaped black decoration examined in the current study, a composition structure of a grainy outer surface and a porous interior of particle connections could be observed on the side of inlay (Fig.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Technological characterization of gold jewellery from the Sogdian tomb of Shi Jun (d. 579 CE) in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

Tan

Yang

Yan

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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Northern dynasties (386-581 CE) of China witnessed extensive cultural contacts with the outside world. Several gold objects of this period indicate multiple culture influences. However, very few of them were testified by metallurgic analysis. The gold jewellery including a finger ring and an earring with exotic features were uncovered from the joint elite Sogdian tomb of Shi Jun and his wife of the Northern Zhou dynasty (557-581 CE) in Xi'an. The current study applied multiple non-destructive analyses to investigate the decorative techniques and materials of the two objects. the results showed that both ornaments were made of refined gold. Autogenous welding and brazing were employed for joining the granules of the earring, indicating different technical choices. More interestingly, niello made of silver sulfide was identified as an innovative technology to decorate the finger ring, presenting the earliest evidence of niello inlay in ancient china. it is noteworthy that powders of silver and sulfur were applied separately, deferring from the traditional method of silver sulfide being synthesised prior to being used. These findings help us gain insights into understanding the technical features of early Medieval gold jewellery, as well as the goldsmith's methods and intentions.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Technological characterization of gold jewellery from the Sogdian tomb of Shi Jun (d. 579 CE) in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

Tan

Yang

Yan

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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Sasanian Niello Inlay: Microanalytical Investigation of a Silver Oval Bowl with Tigers and Grapevines

Oudbashi,

Ziaii-Bigdeli,

Carò

2024

Studies in Conservation

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Study of barium copper silicate pigments on painted pottery from the Qinhan Xincheng, Western Han Dynasty (207 B.C.–8 A.D.), Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China

Yu,

Huang,

Qin

et al. 2024

Herit Sci

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Lead-barium silicate system products, represented by barium copper silicate and lead-barium glass, epitomize a unique artistic craftsmanship of ancient China. Specifically, barium copper silicate products were the only known artificially synthesized blue-purple inorganic pigments in ancient China. Painted pottery decorated with barium copper silicate pigment, predominantly found in elite tombs after 2nd century B.C., is exceedingly rare and holds immense archaeological significance. This case employed multi micro-scale analytical techniques, such as ultra-depth-of-field microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, µ X-ray Diffraction, and electron probe microanalysis, for comprehensive microscopic examination of a rare Chinese Purple (CP, BaCuSi2O6) pigments on painted pottery. The analytical results confirm that the purple pigment is BaCuSi2O6, accompanied by cinnabar for the red and bone white for the white sections, suggesting the probable use of organic residues as an adhesive. Additionally, the study reveals microstructural characteristics in CP faience and CP pigments, notably the encapsulation of CP particles by quartz particles. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that the process of manufacturing purple pigment was achieved by grinding faience into fine particles and then using an organic-based adhesive to adhere these particles to the pottery. This implies that the evolutions in CP products circa the 2nd century B.C. were driven not by technological advances from lead-barium glass, but rather by shifts in application methods, reflecting an adaptation process among different cultures. This study provides new perspectives and significant insights for comprehending the interplay between barium copper silicate and lead-barium glass, reconstructing ancient pottery painting techniques, and exploring the era’s technological and cultural interactions.

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SEM–EDS and μ-XRD study of the niello inlays of a unique late Roman silver augur staff (lituus) from Brigetio, Pannonia (Hungary)

Cited by 3 publications

References 13 publications

Technological characterization of gold jewellery from the Sogdian tomb of Shi Jun (d. 579 CE) in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

Technological characterization of gold jewellery from the Sogdian tomb of Shi Jun (d. 579 CE) in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

Sasanian Niello Inlay: Microanalytical Investigation of a Silver Oval Bowl with Tigers and Grapevines

Study of barium copper silicate pigments on painted pottery from the Qinhan Xincheng, Western Han Dynasty (207 B.C.–8 A.D.), Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China

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