Technological and material insights into bronze casting remains at the Datongpu site, Jianhu County, Jiangsu province from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty

Abstract

Several bronzes, casting moulds, crucible walls, copper slags, and other confirmed relics of copper casting from the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BCE − 476 BCE) and early Warring States period (476 BCE – 221 BCE) were unearthed at the Datongpu site in Jianhucounty, Jiangsu province, between 2019 and 2021. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and multicollector–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were employed to examine the metal resources and mould-making technology of the bronze casting industry of the Yue state during the eastern Zhou dynasty (770 BCE − 221 BCE). The metal particles in the slag suggest that the melted alloy product is high-tin bronze, and the ceramic mould contained a significant amount of plant debris. This indicates that the casting technology involving high-tin bronze alloy production and the use of plant ash in moulds is characteristic of the lower Yangtze river region, highlighting the northward spread of the Yue state. Accordingly, the lead materials at Datongpu site were predominantly sourced from the Central Plains, confirming the records of the relationship between the Jin state and the Yue state in the early Warring States period. The findings highlight the technological advancements of the Yue state and support historical accounts of interactions between the Jin and Yue states. This study is significant as it provides new insights into the technological and material aspects of the bronze casting industry during the eastern Zhou dynasty, which is crucial for understanding regional metallurgical practices and cultural interactions.