With the aim of building up a much-needed reference collection for the determination of ancient production methods for cast bronze artefacts, a series of experiments were carried out at the University of Sheffield. This volume publishes the methodology and results of these experiments where bronze flat axes were cast using three types of moulds - sand, clay and bronze - under controlled conditions and were cooled using different techniques. The microstructure, malleability and behaviour of the copper alloy elements during melting and casting were then compared. A study with important implications for ancient production methods of cast bronze artefacts.

A detailed technical study of 47 bronze fragments excavated from the site of Tianma-Qucun in the south-west Shanxi province of China, an early capital of the Jin state from 1027 to 650BC. Wang presents a large catalogue of data, with discussion of metallurgical techniques, conservation and includes a comparison of material from elite and other tombs, revealing social differences within the assemblage.