Aesthetics and technology: gold and silver ornaments from the Qin First Emperor's bronze chariots

Research on gold and silver ornaments from the Qin First Emperor's bronze chariots reveals that these components were produced using traditional piece-mould casting techniques, challenging assumptions about Western influence on early Chinese metalwork. The study employed digital microscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze hundreds of gold and silver pieces used in chariot harnesses, canopies, and crossbows. Findings indicate that these techniques align more closely with indigenous Chinese practices, such as those used for bronze and iron manipulation, rather than Western methods like forging or filigree. The research also explores the growing significance of gold during the Warring States Period through comparative analysis with other Qin-era artifacts.

Li, X., Bevan, A., Yang, Y., Shao, W., Ma, S., Xia, Y., Zhao, K., Rehren, T., & Martinón-Torres, M. (2026). Aesthetics and technology: gold and silver ornaments from the Qin First Emperor’s bronze chariots. Archaeological Research in Asia, 46, 100715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ara.2026.100715