Identification of a source of nephrite from late Shang Yinxu by multispectral imaging

A groundbreaking study identifies the provenance of nephrite artifacts from the late Shang dynasty's capital, Yin Xu, using nondestructive multispectral imaging. The findings reveal that these yellow-green nephrites originate from Xiuyan in northeastern China, suggesting significant cultural connections between the Shang dynasty and distant regions over a thousand kilometers away. This research not only sheds light on ancient trade and cultural exchanges but also introduces a novel method for studying the circulation of ancient jade, offering new avenues for archaeological investigations.

Chen, D., Tang, J., Yu, M., Yang, Y., & Wang, C. (2023). Identification of a source of nephrite from late Shang Yinxu by multispectral imaging. Heritage Science, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-022-00849-5