• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.23
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• pp.1-16
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• 2020

In this paper, Gilt-bronze Standing Avaolkiteshvara (National Treasure No. 293, M355) excavated at Gyuam-ri in Buyeo was observed with a microscope to identify the production technique applied to it. It was also analyzed with XRF and hard X-ray to identify the composition and the surface treatment techniques and casting method applied. In this statue, Avalokiteshvara is standing upright on a lotus pedestal. The lotus designs on the pedestal and those on the shawl flowing down on both sides of the statue are characteristic of Buddhist statues from the seventh century or later. The use of supports to affix the outer and inner molds and traces of injected cast were observed in the interior of the pedestal. The blisters on the arms and pedestal created during the bronze casting indicate the use of lost-wax casting, which was popularly employed for the production of mid- or small-sized gilt-bronze Buddhist statues in ancient times. The composition analysis identified a copper-tin-lead ternary alloy in the interior of the statue that was conventional used in the sixth and seventh centuries. It is likely that this simple alloy was used to facilitate casting and produce clearer expressions of designs and ornaments on the statue. Mercury (Hg) was detected on the surface of the statue, indicating the use of amalgam-plating with gold (Au) dissolved in mercury. This plating method is a common surface treatment technique used for small gilt-bronze statutes in ancient Korea.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.231-241
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• 2013

Analysis of the bronze bodhisattva from Pangyo-dong sites in Seongnam by computed tomography, ICP-AES, metallurgical microscope and SEM-EDS had to know manufacturing technique. And the origin of the raw material, was investigated using TIMS. Results with computed tomography, two bronze bodhisattva produced by lost-wax casting technique with hollow inside and could see the core of the inside. Result of component analysis and microstructure observation, material is alloy of copper-tin-lead and made by casting without artificial treatment. According to lead isotope ratio analysis result of bronze bodhisattva could be made into galena of the Gyeonggi massif in Korea South.