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Non-Destructive Analysis of Ancient Chinese Bronzes Utilizing Industrial Computed Tomography

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

Ellen B. Avril  and
Stephen D. Bonadies
Ellen B. Avril
Affiliation:
Associate Curator of Far Eastern Art, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-1596
Stephen D. Bonadies
Affiliation:
Senior Conservator, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-1596
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Abstract

Industrial computed tomography was used to study eight Chinese bronzes from the collection of the Cincinnati Art Museum. With industrial CT two different types of images can be formed, the digital radiograph (DR) which produces a twodimensional image of the object and computed tomography (CT) which takes a crosssectional slice. A further advancement discussed is the use of General Electric's Digital Replica™ method to create a three-dimensional reconstruction of the object which enables one to view interior surfaces and to dissect joins. The paper discusses the numerous advantages of the industrial CT over conventional radiography.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 185: Symposium G – Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology II , 1990 , 49
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1990

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References

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3. For a detailed discussion of manufacturing techniques and materials see Wood, N., New Scientist (18 February 1989), 50–53.Google Scholar
4. The earliest archaeological evidence for use of the lost-wax method in China is a group of bronzes unearthed in 1979 in tombs at Xiasi, Xichuan County, Henan Province. See Thorp, R., Son of Heaven: Imperial Arts of China (Son of Heaven Publishers, Seattle, 1988), pp. 56–60.Google Scholar
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