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<p>The craft of bronze vessels from China’s Eastern Zhou period remains insufficiently understood, with prevailing assumptions that decorations were created with iron tools. This study re-examines these assumptions by applying a multi-analytical methodology, including three-dimensional digital microscopy, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, to analyze a rare engraved bronze <i>yi</i> vessel from the Fenshuiling cemetery, dated to the mid-Warring States period (c. 4th century BCE). The investigation identifies the vessel’s engraving tools, techniques, and sequence. Findings demonstrate the vessel consists of hot-forged, leaded tin bronze. Chasing is identified as the principal engraving technique, rather than scribing. The material’s estimated hardness supports the hypothesis that high-tin bronze tools were employed. Toolmark superposition analysis reveals a complex, multi-stage engraving process. This study provides the first science-based characterization of the engraving craft, demonstrating a systematic and scheduled approach to metal decoration that challenges previous technological interpretations.</p>

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A systematic craft: reconstructing the engraving sequence on a Chinese Warring States bronze yi vessel

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月7日

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  • Bo Tang,
  • Chenxin Tian,
  • Wenxiang Yan,
  • Luyang Shi,
  • Xiang Li,
  • Zhiyong Guo,
  • Gang Hu

摘要

The craft of bronze vessels from China’s Eastern Zhou period remains insufficiently understood, with prevailing assumptions that decorations were created with iron tools. This study re-examines these assumptions by applying a multi-analytical methodology, including three-dimensional digital microscopy, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, to analyze a rare engraved bronze yi vessel from the Fenshuiling cemetery, dated to the mid-Warring States period (c. 4th century BCE). The investigation identifies the vessel’s engraving tools, techniques, and sequence. Findings demonstrate the vessel consists of hot-forged, leaded tin bronze. Chasing is identified as the principal engraving technique, rather than scribing. The material’s estimated hardness supports the hypothesis that high-tin bronze tools were employed. Toolmark superposition analysis reveals a complex, multi-stage engraving process. This study provides the first science-based characterization of the engraving craft, demonstrating a systematic and scheduled approach to metal decoration that challenges previous technological interpretations.