Scientific research on glass Jue found in the Iron Age of Southeast Asia and its indications for contacts with China

Abstract

In this paper, 44 glass Jue collected in Southeast Asia have been scientifically studied by means of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical microscopy (OM) and confocal laser Raman microspectroscopy(LRS). Chemical compositions, phase components, internal physical structures and surface micromorphology of the Jue samples are obtained. According to the scientific analysis results, the glass types of the Jue samples can be classified into three types, potash glass, soda-alumina glass and potash-lead glass. 42 samples belong to potash glass, and the 2 samples left belong to soda-alumina glass and potash-lead glass, respectively. Two subgroups, m-K-Al subgroup and m-K-Ca-Al subgroup, are found for potash glass. Only 4 potash glass samples belong to m-K-Ca-Al subgroup, the others are m-K-Al subgroup potash glass. Drawing, casting and cold-working techniques were applied during the process of glass making. Samples are colored by iron ions, or colored by iron and copper ions, except for one sample(SEAG-031) which is opacified by lead tin yellow. Combining with the glass types, shapes, traditions and distributions of Jue, the origins of the raw materials and productions centers for the glass Jue samples collected in Southeast Asia are discussed. The contacts between China and Southeast Asia/South Asia are also discussed. The results obtained in this paper shed some new lights on contacts between China and other countries along the Maritime Silk Road.