The Lost-Wax Process in the Pre-Qin Period: A Bronze Appendage with Hollow Snake Patterns from the Tomb of Duke Ning of Xu

摘要

This paper discusses the most recent case of the lost-wax process,namely,a bronze appendage with hollow snake patterns excavated in 2002 at the tomb of Duke Ning of Xu（許公寧） (a state in the Spring and Autumn period) in Ye County,Henan Province.Various physical and chemical analyses indicate that this artifact was cast as a whole in 547 BCE or slightly later in a high tin bronze alloy using the lost-wax process.No traces of cast joints or soldering were found.This research provides further proof that the lost-wax process was a significant technical development achieved by casters in the Pre-Qin period.