npj Heritage Science· 2026Q1
Preliminary analysis of the materials and production of Shang Dynasty pottery from Zhengzhou Shang City
- 0citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Chemical and petrographic analyses of 154 Shang Dynasty pottery artifacts from Zhengzhou Shang City reveal three distinct material groups and three processing recipes, showing a correlation between recipe and vessel function.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- 154 pottery artifacts from the Erligang period of Zhengzhou Shang City were analyzed.
- Chemical analysis identified three distinct material groups.
- Petrographic analysis revealed three distinct pottery processing recipes.
- Pottery recipes showed a correlation with vessel functions, prioritizing utility.
- Despite material diversity, processing technology for specific artifact types remained consistent.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Zhengzhou City, the capital during the early Shang period, witnessed the Shang Dynasty’s early splendor. This study presents chemical and petrographic analyses of 154 pottery artifacts from the Erligang period, excavated in the Northern Area of Shuyuan Street. The findings reveal resource strategies and characteristics of pottery production in the early Shang capital. Chemical analysis categorizes the pottery into three groups, underscoring material diversity. Petrographic analysis identifies three distinct recipes, reflecting diverse processing methods for raw materials. The study finds a correlation between pottery recipes and vessel functions, indicating that material selection and production processes prioritized product functionality. Analysis indicates that, despite variations in chemical groups, the processing technology for specific artifact types was relatively consistent. Zhengzhou Shang City, a major capital-level settlement, utilized raw materials from different sources while maintaining consistent technical practices in pottery production, exemplifying a complex provisioning system within the urban center.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. npj Heritage Science, 2026 · DOI ↗
Continue with a free account
Ask the paper: 3 free questions a day about this paper; save it, get its citation, new summaries every day for your field. Takeaways are Premium.
Continue free on the webSign in with Google or Apple; no card needed. You come back to this paper.
On your phone:
Field: Archeology (Arts and Humanities)
ArcheologyArts and Humanities