Bronze alloying recipes at Anyang during the Shang Dynasty

A detailed analysis of bronze alloying data from the Late Shang capital at Yin Xu reveals distinct alloying practices that varied by social status and object typology, as well as over time. During Yinxu Phase II, elite bronzes favored higher tin content, while lower elites and subsequent phases showed a binary pattern with lead-rich weapons. This suggests a shift in alloying techniques, likely involving the mixing of pure copper, tin, and lead, contrasting with later suggestions of pre-prepared binary alloys. The study hints that practices combining pure copper with impure lead may have emerged during the Shang Dynasty, though further research is needed to confirm this transition.

Pollard, A. M., Zhang, Y., & Liu, R. (2023). Bronze alloying recipes at Anyang during the Shang Dynasty. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-023-01853-x