| The high achievement of ancient bronze metallurgy depended on the efficient mining of ores and the development of sophisticated foundry technology. Bronze was the first alloy used in China. The appropriate proportions of copper, tin and lead was well controlled and gradually refined. Stone, clay and metal molds were widely used. Among these techniques, clay piece-mold was particularly highly developed. Combined casting techniques of compound metals indicated a perfect alloy-making process. Surface treatments such as inlaying and gilding were also highly refined. Lost-wax casting was an important advance in foundry technology. Magic bronze mirrors of the Western Han, with their extraordinary optical feature, could be described as a last afterglow of China's brilliant Bronze Age. |
