An Insight into a Shang Dynasty Bronze Vessel by Nuclear Techniques

A bronze wine vessel attributed to 1600–1046 B.C., Shang dynasty in China, an object from the East Asian Collection of Museum Applied Arts and Sciences Sydney (Australia), was studied using a non-destructive scientific analytical protocol based on synergic combination nuclear techniques. Gamma spectrometry, neutron-computed tomography, proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy were applied gain better insight into structural compositional features artefact prove its authenticity. spectrometry performed assess risk excessive sample activation induced by long exposure neutron beam determine bulk elemental composition. Based porosities thickness metal wall evaluated found consistent with piece-mould casting technology adopted craftsmen during China. Finally, PIXE demonstrated use ternary (copper–tin-leaded) alloy nature mineralisation surface.