• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.157-169
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• 2010

This study focused on the material characteristics and archaeometric relationship between the molten glass and bronze materials within the crucibles and gilt-bronze Bodhisattva statue excavated from the Ssangbukri site in Buyeo, Korea. Yellowish green to red brown vitreous material in the crucibles was identified as lead glass which contained scarce amount of BaO, and low $Al_2O_3$ and CaO. Metallic molten material was identified as bronze of copper-tin-lead alloy with low amount of impurities that indicated well-refined materials. Also, cassiterite was used for raw metal ore of tin. The Bodhisattva statue consisted of major copper with trace impurities in the core metal, and gold amalgam in the gilded layer. Though lead isotopic analysis showed contradictory results in each lead glass, bronze and Bodhisattva statue that required further examination, it could be stated that the statue was made in the Ssangbukri site based on the high-level technical skills of bronze production.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2010

The crucibles of Baekje Kingdom from the Ssangbukri Site which were used for glass and metal melting had light brown, grayish blue and grayish brown colored bodies. In thin section, the crucibles contained numerous quartz grains and pottery fragments. The surface was covered with fine grained quartz for thermal resistance. Based on decomposition of mica group minerals and formation of mullite detected by X-ray diffraction analysis, it was inferred that all crucibles have been fired over $1,000^{\circ}C$. It was also found that firing temperature has exceeded $1,100^{\circ}C$ in some crucibles because feldspar was not detected. The maximum temperature was assumed at $1,200^{\circ}C$. The magnetic susceptibility values and geochemical characteristics sorted out the crucibles into two groups that differed from the characteristics of the local soils. This reflected geological setting of the site where the alluvium was formed from two kinds of surrounding rock masses, granite gneiss and biotite granite. However, the local soils had similarities with the crucibles in weathering degree and geochemical behavior of major elements. In consequence, it was considered that the raw clay of the crucibles was supplied from the local area of the site.