Demystifying ancient filigree art: Microanalytical study of gold earrings from Dongheigou cemetery (4th-2nd century BCE) in north-west China. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Yan; Xi, Tongyuan; Ma, Jian; Liu, Ruiliang; Kuerban, Reheman; Yan, Feng; Ma, Yingxia; Yang, Junchang
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 41(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Gold filigree -- Decorative technique -- Hard brazing -- SEM-EDS -- Iron Age -- Xinjiang -- Eurasian steppe; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2022.103344
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Highlights: New evidence for intentional addition of copper to base alloys pertaining to hard soldering technique in early Iron Age China. Stylistic analysis and technological study reveal the dating (4th-3rd century BCE) of the samples was earlier than that of the burial site. The presence of hammered wires and copper-rich alloy for brazing attested to local production in steppe style. Chemical composition confirms the use of natural gold for the filigree works prior to the second century BCE. A comprehensive comparison shows different technological choices for making and joining filigree wires in the Eurasian steppes. Abstract: Filigree involves delicate metalwork by soldering plain or twisted wires of gold or silver and arranging them in artistic compositions. The current interdisciplinary study investigates the microstructure and craftworking process of a pair of gold earrings found in Tomb 11 of the Dongheigou cemetery (4th-2nd century BCE) in present-day Balikun County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. We carried out multiple non-destructive analyses, such as 3D digital microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Our results show that the earrings were made by the hammering of gold wires, followed by hard soldering of components to produce delicate filigree works. The components of the earrings were notably brazed together with gold alloys with different amounts of copper. The microanalysis of the objects provides important clues about the way they were made, and the possible origin and dating. Placing these new results in a broader Eurasian context highlights different technological choices for making and joining wire works across various regions.