An alloy composition analysis and metallographic examination of four Song period percussion instruments of the gong,cymbal and chime types from Jiangsu Xuzhou and Jiangxi shows the development level of their alloying and forging techniques.The analysis results indicate that these implements have a high and stable tin content,which range from 16.87% to 18.74%,averaging 17.873%. The lead content is low or missing,ranging from 0 to 0.81% and averaging 0.323%.The four specimens are man-wrought,and three of them were quenched.Their alloying,forging and heat-treating techniques are all rather perfect,which reflects the advanced level of percussion instrument making in ancient China.
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