Research on Bronzes Unearthed at the Dayandun Site, China

Abstract

The Dayandun site is located in present-day Hefei, the capital of the Anhui Province. Its primary occupation dates from the late Western Zhou Dynasty to the spring and autumn periods (877–476 B.C.). Scientific studies on bronze artifacts in this region are scarce. In this study, we employed X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), metallographic analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to investigate the alloy composition and lead isotope ratios of bronzes from Dayandun. Additionally, ion chromatography, ultra-depth-of-field microscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the soil and corrosion products adhering to the bronzes. The results indicate that the alloy composition of the bronzes is similar to that found in the Central Plains (the core cultural area of northern China), whereas the lead used in four artifacts likely originated from the lower Yangtze River region (southern China). Furthermore, although the burial environment was characterized by neutral soil, chloride ions, which are key contributors to “bronze disease,” were detected in both the patina and the surrounding soil. Therefore, future conservation efforts should prioritize the prevention of chloride-induced corrosion.