Scientific analysis of the gilt-bronze chariot parasol component of the Eastern Han Dynasty excavated from the Dafenbao cemetery, Pengshan, Sichuan, China

Abstract

Herein, the gilt-bronze Gaigongmao (chariot parasol components) were excavated in the Dafenbao cemetery, Pengshan county, Sichuan province, China. This paper illustrates the parasols virtual restoration pictures and infers its usage. The samples were characterized by combining ultra-depth three-dimensional microscope (Ultra-depth 3D microscope), attenuated total internal reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), scanning electron microscope (EDS), element mapping, and wood species identification. The fibers around the Gaigongmao were detected as cotton threads, and the woods inside was bamboo, thus, the type of the parasol was indicated to be the San type. The gilding technology of the gilt-bronze was resulted of traditional mercury amalgam technology, and the traditional “Yaguang” technique can be observed in the SEM images. By comparing with the other data, the lead isotope date of the Gaigongmao was determined to be within the range of the Yangtze River basin.