Non-invasive characterization of manufacturing techniques and corrosion of ancient Chinese bronzes and a later replica using synchrotron X-ray diffraction

Three bronze vessels from the ancient Chinese art collection at the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) were examined-with the advanced non-invasive characterization capabilities of high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction performed at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) of Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)-to create a comprehensive overview of each object's manufacture as well as subsequent corrosion processes. Findings were also complemented with traditional non-invasive characterization techniques, including optical imaging, X-ray radiographic imaging, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. The results-obtained without sampling-allow a clear distinction between genuinely ancient Chinese bronzes from those with modern restorations and from archaistic objects made many centuries later, in emulation of ancient styles.