J.IIC-CG VOLUME 10 & 11 (1985/1986)

X-Radiography Study of a Chinese Kuei Vessel in the Krannert Art Museum Collection

Vanda Vitali, Jane Darcovich, Wendell Williams

An ancient Chinese kuei bronze vessel attributed to the Middle Western Zhou period was examined by X-radiography. Important information regarding its method of manufacture and composition was obtained. Radiographs and photographs of the vessel reveal: its porosity and uniformity of composition; mould marks and chaplets indicating a piece-mould construction; scratch marks and a possible broken sprue on the bottom, indicating direction of casting (upside down); round radiopaque features in the upper decorative band. This provided technical evidence in support of the authentication and the stylistic analysis and evaluation of this vessel.

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