X-ray fluorescence analysis of historic Yixing ware and related Chinese style teapots

Abstract

A handheld XRF spectrometer was used to measure the composition of various pieces of antique red and yellow stoneware of Chinese (Yixing Zisha) and European provenance. Expanding on existing literature, the concentration of a number of main and trace elements is reported, allowing identification of the various samples. This type of instrument can help in building a library of historical stoneware objects and assist in identifying geographical origin and manufacture date.