Deciphering the origins of Sanxingdui bronzes through petrographic and elemental analysis of casting cores

Abstract

Sanxingdui, one of the most significant Bronze Age sites in China, has yielded unique bronze artifacts with varying styles: some exhibit distinct local characteristics, while others resemble central Shang designs, raising questions about their origins. This study applies semi-quantitative petrographic observations and elemental analysis to 39 casting core samples from Pits 1 and 2 at Sanxingdui. The results reveal distinct differences in production techniques and materials between vessel and non-vessel artifacts. Comparative analysis with local soils, sediment, and casting cores from other Chinese bronze production sites suggests that non-vessel bronzes were likely cast locally near Sanxingdui, while vessel artifacts show connections to the middle and lower Yangtze River region. Our findings indicate that Sanxingdui bronzes were part of a larger, interconnected circulation network for bronze products and ores, reflecting complex cultural, technological, and material exchanges with other regions during the Shang period.