Chemical Compositions and Lead Isotope Ratios of Ancient Lead-barium Glasses found in Japan

摘要

Six lead-barium glasses found in the archaeological sites of the Yayoi period in the northern part of Kyushu, Japan were chemically analysed and their lead isotope ratios were determined. These data agreed with those of the glasses of the Pre-Han period found in China, suggesting the presence of possible trade between China in the Pre-Han period (ca. fourth-third centuries B.C.) and Japan in the earlier Yayoi period (ca. first century B.C.).