Analysis and Research on the Copper Spoon and Coins Found in the Music Hall Cemetery in Wuhou District, Chengdu, China

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-8115979/v1

During the Tang and Song dynasties, Chengdu was an inland city in China with a developed economy and society. Due to the prohibition of copper coins and even copper materials entering Sichuan in the Song dynasty, the source of the copper objects buried in the tombs was a problem that needed to be solved. Using metallographic microscope and scanning electron microscopes with energy dispersive spectrometers, the metallographic and alloy composition analyses were conducted on one copper spoon and 11 copper coins unearthed from the late Tang and Song tombs in the Music Hall area of Wuhou District, Chengdu. The results indicate that the copper spoon is made of copper zinc alloy material and formed by hot forging. Up to now, 40 pieces (groups) of brass ware discovered in China before the Ming Dynasty, all of which were unearthed in northern China, and brass wares from historical periods (Han to Jin) is closely related to grassland ethnic groups and regimes. The brass spoon analyzed in this article is currently the only publicly published Song Dynasty brass ware, and unearthed in the Han ethnic region of southern China. It is an important physical evidence for locally smelting “toushi(鍮石)” to make brass ware. Tang and Song Dynasty coins were all made of copper tin lead ternary alloy and cast. Some Song Dynasty coins had annealed metallographic structures, which should be related to the burning and sacrificing in the tombs. Chengdu in the Song Dynasty belonged to the inland region, the Song government did not establish copper coin supervision office. These coins were made in a standardized way, and their alloy composition was basically consistent with those found in other regions. They were official circulation practical currencies and were buried in tombs, representing the wealth owned, and reflecting the relatively stable social and economic situation in Chengdu during the Tang and Song dynasties.

Chengdu

Tang and Song Dynasties

Brass spoon

Coins

Alloy material

During the Tang and Song dynasties, Chengdu was the political, economic, and cultural center of southwestern China, as well as a national transportation hub and military stronghold. It was known as the "Yang Yi Yi Er(扬一益二)" during the Tang dynasty༈[Song] Sima Guang, 2012༉. During the Song Dynasty, its development reached a new peak. Compared with historical documents, the Tang and Song tombs in Chengdu are undoubtedly more intuitive physical materials for studying the Tang and Song history of Chengdu. Among them, the bronze wares and coins unearthed from Tang and Song tombs are important entry points for understanding the production and circulation of bronze wares and coins in Chengdu during the Tang and Song dynasties. Therefore, the author selected well preserved bronze ware and copper coins from the Tang and Song tomb materials excavated under his leadership, and conducted scientific and technological analysis on them to understand the production and circulation of bronze ware and copper coins in Chengdu during the Tang and Song dynasties, to make up for the lack of historical records, and further enrich the history of bronze ware and copper coin casting and social life during the Tang and Song dynasties.

To facilitate the construction of the Music Square Project in Chengdu City, from May 2020 to July 2020, Hubei University, Chongqing Normal University, and Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology jointly conducted exploration and excavation in this area. A total of 3 pit tombs, 188 brick tombs, 2 ash pits, and 1 well were cleared. These were named the Music Square Tombs in Wuhou District of Chengdu City. The tombs are located at the intersection of Gongren Road and Minzhu Road in Wuhou District, Chengdu City (Fig. 1). The natural geographic coordinates of the center of the cemetery are 30°38′25″ north latitude and 104°4′42″ east longitude.

All the tombs were looted. The number of items found in each tomb varied. There were pottery, porcelain, copper, silver, stone, coins, land purchase vouchers, etc., totaling 308 pieces (sets). Among them, porcelain was the most abundant, with 172 pieces. The main items were daily-use utensils such as four-legged jars, double-eared jars, bowls, cups, and stoves. There were 58 pieces of pottery, including basins, jugs, male and female attendant figures, warrior figures, civil servant figures, pig-head human figures, kneeling figures, turtles, chickens, and dogs. The rest included copper spoons, copper coins, stone land purchase vouchers, stone tomb protection vouchers, and stone statues.

The age of this cemetery is clearly defined. In this paper, using metallographic microscopes, scanning electron microscopes and energy dispersive spectrometers, the metallographic observations and alloy composition analyses were conducted on one Northern Song Dynasty copper spoon and twelve Tang-Song Dynasty copper coins unearthed. Moreover, discussions were made on the related historical issues reflected.

Sample Background

The information of the 12 samples analyzed in this paper is presented in Table 1 and Fig. 2. From the excavation results, copper spoon and coins were mainly found in M169, M85, M175, M34, M121, and M188. Copper spoon were only found in M175. The land purchase vouchers unearthed from this tomb bear the inscription of Mingdao Year 2 (1033), indicating that the production date of the copper spoon is no later than the Mingdao Year 2 (1033) of the Northern Song Dynasty. The copper coins were all era coins. According to ancient literature, the production dates are very clear. Among them, the Kaiyuan Tongbao was mainly cast and circulated in the Tang Dynasty, the Qianyuan Zhongbbao was first cast in the 758th year of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, the Chunhua Yuanbao was cast during the Chunhua period of Emperor Shenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty (990–994), the Jingde Yuanbao was cast during the Jingde period of Emperor Zhenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty (1004–1007), the Xiangfu Yuanbao was cast during the Xiangfu period of Emperor Zhenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty (1008–1016), the Xining Yuanbao was cast during the Xining period of Emperor Shenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty (1068–1077), the Chongning Tongbao and Chongning Zhongbao were cast during the Chongning period of Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song Dynasty (1102–1106), and the Shaoxi Yuanbao was cast during the Shaoxi period of Emperor Guangzong of the Southern Song Dynasty (1190–1194).

Table 1
Statistical table of copper spoon and coins excavated from the Music Hall Cemetery in Wuhou District, Chengdu
NO.	Burial No.	Burial period	Sample	Sample period	Notes
1	2020CWYM175	Northern Song	Copper spoon	Northern Song	Figure 2.1
2	2020CWYM169	Late Tang Five Dynasties	Kaiyuan Tongbao	Tang Dynasty	Figure 2.2
3	2020CWYM85	Late Tang Five Dynasties	Kaiyuan Tongbao	Tang Dynasty	Figure 2.3
4	2020CWYM85	Late Tang Five Dynasties	Qianyuan Zhongbao	Tang Dynasty	Figure 2.4
5	2020CWYM34	Early Southern Song Dynasty	Qianyuan Zhongbao	Tang Dynasty	Figure 2.5
6			Chongning Zhongbao	Northern Song	Figure 2.6
7			Xining Yuanbao	Northern Song	Figure 2.7
8			Chonning Tongbao	Northern Song	Figure 2.8
9	2020CWYM121	middle and late period of the Southern Song Dynasty	Jingde Yuanbao	Northern Song	Figure 2.9
10			Chunhua Yuanbao	Northern Song	Figure 2.10
11			Xiangfu Yuanbao	Northern Song	Figure 2.11
12	2020CWYM188		Shaoxi Yuanbao	Southern Song	Figure 2.12

Microstructure Analysis

A small piece of the sample was cut off. It was embedded and mounted with epoxy resin, then ground and polished to the level suitable for microscopic observation. Photographs were taken. After the elemental composition was tested using a scanning electron microscope energy spectrometer, the sample was etched with a 3% ferric chloride hydrochloric acid alcohol solution, and then observed under a microstructure microscope. The used microstructure microscope was Leica DM4000M.

Alloy Composition Analysis

The alloy composition was tested using a scanning electron microscope energy spectrometer. The instrument used was a Hitachi SU5000 field emission scanning electron microscope, and the energy spectrometer was produced by Bruker. The excitation voltage was 15 keV, and the counting time was 1 minute. Three areas of the sample metal body that were well-preserved were selected for planar scanning analysis, and the average value was taken as the composition of the sample. Micro-area analysis of inclusions was conducted to assist in determining the microstructure.

Microstructure

The analysis of the copper spoon material indicates that it is a copper-zinc alloy(Table 2), with very low tin and lead contents. The microstructure shows a copper-zinc alloy α solid solution, the segregation disappears, with equiaxed crystals and twinned crystals as dendrites, formed through casting followed by hot forging (Fig.3.1).

The alloy composition of Kaiyuan Tongbao M169 contains high levels of tin and lead. The metallographic structure shows a copper-tin α solid solution, with dendrites in a cluster-like form, and a large number of irregular α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces, along with dispersed round lead particles. This is a casting structure (Fig.3.2).

The alloy composition of Kaiyuan Tongbao M85 is high in tin and low in lead. The metallographic structure is a copper-tin α solid solution with many dendrites. There are a certain amount of α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces, and a small amount of round lead particles are distributed. This is a casting structure (Fig.3.3).

The alloy of Qianyuan Zhongbao M85 has a high tin content and a low lead content. The metallographic structure is a copper-tin alloy α solid solution with dendrites in a branched form. There are a large number of α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces that have rusted, and round spherical lead particles are dispersed along the crystal boundaries. This is a casting structure (Fig.3.4).

The alloy of Qianyuan Zhongbao M34 has a relatively high tin and lead content. The metallographic structure is a copper-tin alloy α solid solution with dendrites that have disappeared. The structure is homogenized, and there are a large number of α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces. A small amount of round spherical lead particles are distributed along the crystal boundaries, and there are many rusted holes of lead particles, indicating a casting structure after heating (Fig.3.5).

The alloy of Chongning Zhongbao M34 has a high tin and lead content, and it is a high-pitch bronze. The metallographic structure is a copper-tin alloy α solid solution with dendrites that have disappeared. The structure is homogenized, and there are a large number of α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces. A small amount of round spherical lead particles are distributed along the crystal boundaries, and there are many rusted holes of lead particles, indicating a casting structure after heating (Fig.3.6).

The alloy of Xining Yuanbao M34 has a high tin and lead content. The metallographic structure is a copper-tin alloy α solid solution with dendrites that have disappeared. The structure is homogenized, and there are a large number of α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces. A small amount of round spherical lead particles are distributed along the crystal boundaries, and there are many rusted holes of lead particles, with many natural copper particles deposited at the holes, indicating a casting structure after heating (Fig.3.7).

The alloy of Chongning Tongbao M34 has a low tin content and a high lead content. The metallographic structure is a copper-tin alloy α solid solution with dendrites that have disappeared. The structure is homogenized, and there are a small number of α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces. A large number of round and oval lead particles are distributed along the crystal boundaries, and there are many rusted holes of lead particles, with many natural copper particles deposited at the holes, indicating a casting structure after heating (Fig.3.8).

The alloy of Jingde Yuanbao M121 has relatively low tin and lead contents. The metallographic structure is a copper-tin alloy α solid solution with coarse dendritic segregation. There is a certain amount of α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces. Small round spherical lead particles are distributed along the crystal boundaries, indicating a casting structure (Fig.3.9).

The alloy of Chunhua Yuanbao M121 has a relatively high tin and lead content. The metallographic structure is a copper-tin alloy α solid solution with coarse dendritic segregation. There are a large number of α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces. Large oval lead particles are distributed along the crystal boundaries, indicating a casting structure (Fig.3.10).

The alloy of Xiangfu Yuanbao M121 has a relatively high tin and lead content, and it is a high-pitch content. The metallographic structure is a copper-tin alloy α solid solution with coarse dendritic segregation. There are a large number of α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces. Large round and oval lead particles are distributed along the crystal boundaries, and there are many rusted holes of lead particles, with many natural copper particles deposited at the holes, indicating a casting structure after heating (Fig.3.11).

The alloy of Shaoxi Yuanbao M188 has a low tin content and a high lead content. The metallographic structure is a copper-tin alloy α solid solution with coarse dendritic segregation. There is a small amount of α+δ eutectics distributed in the intercrystalline spaces. A large number of round and oval lead particles are distributed along the crystal boundaries, and there are many rusted holes of lead particles, with many natural copper particles deposited at the holes, indicating a casting structure after heating (Fig.3.12).

Alloy Composition

The analysis results of the alloy composition of copper spoon and copper coins are shown in Table 2.

Table 2 Alloy composition of copper spoon and copper coins found at the Music Hall Cemetery in Wuhou District, Chengdu City

No.	Sample	Alloy Composition（wt%）							Alloy materials
No.	Sample	Cu	Sn	Pb	Fe	As	Zn	O	Alloy materials
1	copper spoon M175	81.42	0.15	0.33			18.06		Cu-Zn
2	Kaiyuan Tongbao M169	74.43	15.33	10.24					Cu-Sn-Pb
3	Kaiyuan Tongbao M85	77.34	18.86	3.80					Cu-Sn-Pb
4	Qianyuan Zhongbao M85	67.63	16.02	5.91	1.13	0.93		8.37	Cu-Sn-Pb
5	Qianyuan Zhongbao M34	76.35	11.39	11.03	1.22				Cu-Sn-Pb
6	Chongning Zhongbao M34	65.51	12.02	20.90	1.58				Cu-Sn-Pb
7	Xining Yuanbao M34	73.84	10.89	15.27					Cu-Sn-Pb
8	Chongning Tongbao M34	73.94	4.18	21.89					Cu-Sn-Pb
9	Jingde Yuanbao M121	84.13	8.29	5.43					Cu-Sn-Pb
10	Chunhua Yuanbao M121	70.81	15.00	14.19					Cu-Sn-Pb
11	Xiangfu Yuanbao M121	66.28	10.01	23.72					Cu-Sn-Pb
12	Shaoxi Yuanbao M188	70.73	4.23	25.04					Cu-Sn-Pb

The copper spoon is made of brass with a zinc content of 18.06%. According to the classification of copper alloy artifacts, this copper ladle is a high-zinc brass product. The large-scale use of brass in Chinese history began after the Ming Dynasty. Before that, it occurred sporadically. This issue will be discussed in detail in the next section.

Eleven copper coins unearthed from the Music Hall Cemetery in Wuhou District, Chengdu City, came from 5 tombs. According to the inscriptions on the coins, they belong to the Tang Dynasty, the Northern Song Dynasty, and the Southern Song Dynasty. From the alloy composition distribution map in Fig.4.a, it can be seen that there are significant differences in the alloy compositions of the Tang Dynasty coins and the Song Dynasty coins. Specifically, the lead content of the Song Dynasty coins is significantly higher than that of the Tang Dynasty, while the tin content is slightly lower than that of the Tang Dynasty. Among the 4 Tang Dynasty coins, 2 of the Kaiyuan Tongbao coins came from different tombs, and the copper and tin contents were relatively similar, but the lead content differed significantly; the two Qianyuan Chongbao coins had obvious differences in tin and lead contents, and both contained approximately 1% iron. Among the 6 Northern Song Dynasty coins, the Chongning Chongbao had significantly higher tin and lead contents, and was of high lead content; the Chongning Tongbao had lower tin content and higher lead content; among the 4 Yuanbao coins, the Xixin, Chunhua, and Xiangfu Yuanbao had relatively higher tin and lead contents, while the Jingci Yuanbao had relatively lower tin and lead contents. The Shaoxing Xuxi Yuanbao had a lower tin content and higher lead content. The Zhongbao coins of the Tang and Song dynasties all contained a certain amount of iron, which was an important characteristic.

During the Tang and Song dynasties in China, bronze coins were categorized into three types: Tongbao (small denomination), Zhongbao (medium denomination), and Yuanbao (large denomination). Whether these three types of copper coins differ in alloy composition is shown in the separate comparison chart in Figure 4.b. The alloy compositions of Tongbao, Zhongbao and Yuanbao are not significantly different. Only in the case of the Congning Tongbao of the Song Dynasty, compared with the Kaiyuan Tongbao of the Tang Dynasty, the tin content is lower and the lead content is higher. Due to the issue of sample quantity, it is not sufficient to demonstrate a significant change. The same problem exists for the comparison between the Chongning Zhongbao and the Qianyuan Zhongbao. The analysis in this paper only covers the Song Dynasty Yuanbao. Compared with the four Yuanbao of the Northern Song Dynasty, the Shaoxi Yuanbao of the Southern Song Dynasty has a significantly reduced tin content, which is an important change.

The issue of brass

Brass holds a special significance in the history of metallurgy, at least for China. The large-scale smelting and use of copper alloy began in the Ming Dynasty. Before that, copper products were mostly discovered randomly and in small quantities. The earliest Chinese bronze artifacts date back to the copper knives unearthed from the Majiayao Culture, which were made of tin bronze. Throughout the entire Chinese bronze age, the alloy materials of bronze artifacts were mainly tin bronze and lead-tin bronze. However, However, the Jiangzhai Culture (4700-4000bc) predating the Majiayao Culture, discovered bronze artifacts(Table3). which has sparked considerable academic discussions both at home and abroad. There has been ongoing debate over whether Chinese metallurgy history began in prehistoric times(Fan, et al. 2012).

Ma Yue et al. conducted a statistical analysis on the discovery of Ming Dynasty brass products in China before 2010, totaling 17 pieces. Since then, some brass utensils have appeared successively. This article collected data on 22 pieces (groups) of brass products before the Ming Dynasty(Ling, et al. 2018), which are listed in Table 3 in chronological order.

Table 3 Statistical table of brass products unearthed in China before the Ming Dynasty (Up to the end of 2025)

No.	Object	Find-spot	Period	alloy composition（wt%）		Technology	sources
No.	Object	Find-spot	Period	Cu	Zn	Technology	sources
1	sheet	Jiangzhai Site in Xi'an	4700-4000bc	66.5	25.7	Casting	①
2	Hairpin	site in Weinan, Shaanxi	3000bc	—	32.0	Forging	①
3	sheet	site in Shanxi Province	2500-2100bc	79.46	14.01	Forging	②
4	awl	sanlihe site, Jiaoxian, Shandong	2300-1800bc	—	20.2-26.4	Casting	①
5	awl	sanlihe site, Jiaoxian, Shandong	2300-1800bc	—	20.2-26.4	Casting	①
6	fragment	xiaotangshan site in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia	2000-1500bc	61.2	18.4	—	③
7	sheet	xiaotangshan site in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia	2000-1500bc	59.58	38.3	—	③
8	arrow	Changdao, Shandong	1046-771bc	84.4	10.9	—	①
9	arrow	Changdao, Shandong	1046-771bc	82.1	11.8	—	①
10	Hairpin	Huailin Village,Hebei(东汉)	0-2ce	78.9	18.8	Hot working	④
11	Hairpin	Foyemiaowan-Xindiantai cemetery in Dunhuang(曹魏)	2-4ce	81.1	14.8	Forging	⑤
12	Hairpin			80.6	15.0
13	Hairpin			73.2	22.3
14	ring	Yingpan Cemetery in Xinjiang(汉晋)	4ce	—	＞20	—	①
15	earring			—	＞20	—
16	bracelet			—	＞20	—
17	ring	Qilangshan cemetery, Inner Mongolia(北魏)	4ce	92.0	7.3	Forging
18	ornament	Qilangshan cemetery, Inner Mongolia(北魏)	4ce	72.8	18.3	Forging
19	nail	M1 in Yihenao'er, Inner Mongolia(北魏)	3-5ce	79.5	20.5	Forging	⑥
20	nail	M1 in Yihenao'er, Inner Mongolia(北魏)	3-5ce	80.2	19.7	Forging	⑥
21	hairpin	Zhaojia Xuyao tomb in Linzi, Shandong(北朝)	4-5ce	67.2	31.0	Forging	⑦
22	hairpin	Zhaojia Xuyao tomb in Linzi, Shandong(北朝)	4-5ce	80.6	15.7	Forging	⑦
23	earpick	Emperor Wu's tomb(北周)	5ce	66.7	8.04	Casting	⑧
24	Temples	Tomb No. 2 of Xi'an Kunlun Company(隋代)	5-7ce	79.25	6.65	Forging	⑨
25	ornament	Tomb No. 2 of Xi'an Kunlun Company(隋代)	5-7ce	82.97	5.6	Forging	⑨
26	strip	Tubo tombs in Dulan, Qinghai(唐代)	9ce	63.2	29.2	hot working	①
27	hook			71.5	21.6
28	nose ring			71.0	19.5
29	buckle			70.1	22.0	Casting
30	buckle			75.1	17.8	Casting
31	drawer pull	Liao Mausoleum(辽代)	9-11ce	79.5	12.1	Casting	⑩
32	sheet	xinli site in Beizhen, Liaoning(辽代)	9-11ce	78.96	18.91	Forging	11
33	table corner protector			74.74	20.0	Heating after casting
34	ornament			76.3	22.2	Forging
35	sheet			75.17	23.27	Forging
36	smoke pot	Yuanshangdu site, Inner Mongolia(元代)	13ce	65.2	33.0	Casting	①
37	Hairpin	M8 in Dongxianpo, Zhuozhou, Hebei(元代)	12-13ce	80.2	16.2	Casting、hot working	④
38	7 Sheets	changbai mountain temple site in Jilin (金代)	12-13ce	76.01- 84.13	11.64- 17.13	Casting、hot-cold work	12
39	21 objects	taizicheng site in Zhangjiakou, Hebei(金代)	12-13ce	82.8-94.4	3.5-17.2	Casting、hot forging	13

①Ma Yue, Li Xiuhui(2010). Analysis of the Research Status of Ancient Chinese Brass Products and Smelting Technology [in Chinese]. Journal of Chinese History of Science and Technology.

②Wang Jianping, Wang Lizhi(2013). Preliminary Study on Copper Slices from the Longshan Period Unearthed at the Zhoujiazhuang Site in Shanxi Province [in Chinese]. Journal of the National Museum of China.

③Li Minghua, Lian Jilin, Ge Riletu, et al(2022). Research on Metal Artifacts Excavated from Xiaotangshan Site in Ningcheng County, Chifeng City [in Chinese]. Grassland Cultural Relics .

④Yao Zhihui, Yuan Meng, Ge Long(2025). Technological Analysis and Exploration of Several Brass Pieces in the Collection of Zhuozhou Museum [in Chinese]. Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeological Science.

⑤Qiangbing Wei, Yanxiang Li, Thilo Rehren, et al(2022). Early brass from the Foyemiaowan-Xindiantai cemetery, 265–439 ce: the origin and diffusion of brass in ancient China. Heritage Science. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-022-00784-5

⑥Xie Xinrui, Li Yanxiang, Jing Yongjie, Wang Xiaokun(2020): Preliminary Study on Some Metal Artifacts Excavated from Yihenao'er M1 in Zhengxiangbai Banner, Inner Mongolia [in Chinese]. Grassland Cultural Relics.

⑦Dai Quanlong, Zhao Yichao, Pang Shuo, Zhang Ji(2024). Scientific Analysis and Research on Metal Artifacts Excavated from the Northern Dynasties Tomb of Zhao Family Xu Yao in Linzi [in Chinese]. Haidai Archaeology.

⑧Wang He, Mei Jianjun, Pan Lu, Yang Junchang, Zhang Jianlin(2013). Preliminary scientific analysis of some gold and gilded bronze artifacts unearthed from the Xiaoling Mausoleum of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou [in Chinese]. Journal of the National Museum of China.

⑨Yanbing Shao, Fengrui Jiang, Jingnan Du et al(2021). Brass products in the coronet excavated from an M2-numbered Sui-Tang-dynasty tomb situated in Kun Lun Company in Xi’an, Shaanxi. Heritage Science. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-021-00625-x

⑩Xiao Hongyan, Dong Xinlin, Cui Jianfeng(2022). Technological Analysis of Copper Artifacts Excavated from the No.1 Accompanying Tomb and No.4 Building Site of Liaozu Mausoleum [in Chinese]. Northern Cultural Relics .

11Wang He, Wan Xiongfei(2024). Preliminary Scientific Analysis of Copper Artifacts Excavated from Xinli Site No.1 in Beizhen City, Liaoning Province [in Chinese]. Northern Cultural Relics .

12Zhao, JJ; Xiao, HY and Cui, JF (2025). Metallurgical analyses reveal brass production in the Northeast China. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences . https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-024-02108-z

13Xiao, HY; Huang, X and Cui, JF (2020) . Local cementation brass production during 12th-13th century CE, North China: Evidences from a royal summer palace of Jin Dynasty. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2020.102657

From Table 3, it can be seen that brass objects before the Han Dynasty in China (No. 1-9) had varying levels of zinc content and were believed to have been accidentally refined. The zinc content of artifacts (No. 10-30) from the Han to Tang dynasties was relatively stable. Some scholars believe that after the Eastern Han Dynasty, with the introduction of Buddhism to China, “toushi(鍮石)” was also introduced from the Western Regions, on par with gold and silver. According to literature records and archaeological discoveries, ancient Romans and Persians refined brass before China. The earliest brass should have come from the West and flowed into China with the Silk Road trade, becoming an important commodity on the Silk Road(Yao, et al. 2025). During the Liao, Yuan, and Jin dynasties, the zinc content of artifacts (No. 31-39) tended to stabilize except for a few. The brass products discovered in China from the Han Dynasty to the Jin Dynasty, from their excavation sites and historical backgrounds, are all located in northern China and are related to grassland ethnic groups and regimes. The brass spoon from the Northern Song Dynasty analyzed in this article is currently the only brass product discovered in the Han ethnic region of southern China, which has the significance of filling the gap in terms of geography, age, and types of objects.

Regarding ancient Chinese brass and its comparison with foreign countries, Cui Jianfeng's team has developed a systematic understanding, believing that there were mainly two methods for smelting brass in ancient China: galvanizing and mineral refining. Spelling refers to the direct preparation of brass using metallic copper and metallic zinc, while cementation involves smelting brass by directly mixing zinc ore with metallic copper. However, due to the highly reactive chemical properties of zinc and its low boiling point (around 907 ℃), it is highly volatile during the smelting process, which led to the late emergence of zinc as a metallic element. As a result, the zinc mineralization method also emerged very late. Before the emergence of zinc smelting technology, cementation was the most important method for producing brass in ancient times, and the brass produced was called "mineralized brass". The history of brass smelting and casting in China can be summarized into four periods based on the characteristics of smelting technology: early prehistoric brass, foreign brass from the Han and Tang dynasties, locally mined brass from the Song to Ming dynasties, and locally zinc plated brass from the Ming and Qing dynasties. This is the basic understanding in the current research field of brass(Cui, 2025). His research also suggests that after the Northern Song Dynasty, driven by economic interests, brass smelting technology rapidly spread among the people, forming a multi center production pattern. As the political and economic center of the Southern Song Dynasty, the Hangzhou area discovered brass tableware such as chopsticks and spoons, indicating that brass may have been mainly used as tableware during the Southern Song Dynasty.

The brass spoon analyzed in this article, as indicated by the “Purchase land certificate” (买地券) unearthed from the tomb, was made no later than 1033 AD. This period belongs to the early Northern Song Dynasty, with rapid economic development. Chengdu, as a developed inland city during the Northern Song Dynasty, should have brass smelting and product consumption. Ancient literature clearly records the activity of smelting local cassiterite during the Song Dynasty, which is related to the use of calamine in Taoist alchemy and medicine. In Cui Fang's "Wai Dan Ben Cao(外丹本草)" during the Song Dynasty, it is recorded that "one pound of copper and one pound of furnace dried sweet stone can be refined into one and a half pounds of cassia stone. In the third year of Jingde (1006 AD), the casting department was established to oversee the production of copper tools. In the fourth year of Jingde (1007AD ), private copper smelting was prohibited. In the second year of Dazhong Xiangfu (1009AD ), the Dianhe Copper Smelting Institute was established to begin official smelting of copper. In the first year of Tianxi (1017 AD), the Dianhe Copper Smelting Institute was merged into the casting department(Gao, 2024). From the perspective of shape and decoration, the brass analyzed in this article is a typical Chinese tableware, which is highly likely to be locally made, adding a new species to ancient Chinese brass products and providing physical evidence for the smelting of local “toushi(鍮石)” in the Song Dynasty.

The issue of coins minting and circulation

Kaiyuan Tongbao was the main circulating currency of the Tang Dynasty, with special significance and an important turning point in the history of Chinese currency, replacing the previously chaotic Five Zhu(五铢钱) system. Kaiyuan Tongbao was first cast in the fourth year of Emperor Gaozu's Wude reign (621 AD) of the Tang Dynasty. It has been in circulation for nearly three hundred years during the Tang Dynasty, and was still in circulation during the Five Dynasties and early Song Dynasty. These two Kaiyuan Tongbao tombs date back to the late Tang and Five Dynasties, and are still within the circulation time range of coins. It is known that practical currency was used in burials during this period.

Qianyuan Zhongbao began to be cast and used in the first year of Qianyuan reign of Emperor Suzong of Tang Dynasty (758 AD), and was withdrawn from circulation in the first year of Baoying reign of Emperor Zongzong of Tang Dynasty (762 AD), lasting for five years. Qianyuan Zhongbao is the first type of copper coin in Chinese history named after "Zhongbao", which opened up a coin writing system that combines "Tongbao, Yuanbao, and Zhongbao", and has epoch-making significance. One Qianyuan Treasure is equivalent to the value of ten Kaiyuan Tongbao. These two Qianyuan treasures, one from a tomb of the late Tang and Five Dynasties, although they have passed their circulation time, are still used as ancient coins in funerals; The other one is from the early Southern Song Dynasty tomb M34, which has already passed its circulation time, indicating that during the Southern Song Dynasty, the coins used for burial in tombs were still from the old dynasty, or from the Tang and Northern Song dynasties were still circulating in Sichuan during the Southern Song Dynasty and used for burial in tombs.

The other three Northern Song coins of M34, Chongning Zhongbao, were one of the important coins of the late Northern Song Dynasty and had the most plate types. They were the second reign title coins of Emperor Huizong of Song, Zhao Ji, and were minted during the Chongning period (1102-1106 AD). Qian Wen Li Shu, with its ancient simplicity and square shape, symmetrical layout, and rigorous structure, can be regarded as a model of ancient Chinese Qian Wen calligraphy. Chongning Tongbao was also the second reign title of Emperor Huizong of Song, Zhao Ji. It was an imperial calligraphy coin, and the Qian script was created by Emperor Huizong of Song in the form of thin gold. The Qian script is thick and orderly, and can be regarded as the pinnacle of Qian calligraphy. The tin content of this Tongbao coin is lower than that of the Zhongbao coin, while the lead content is similar. The Zhongbao coin contains a certain amount of iron, reflecting a significant difference in the alloy composition of the two types of coins issued simultaneously. Xining Yuanbao was the first reign title coin of Emperor Shenzong of Song, Zhao Xu. It was minted during the Xining period (1068-1077 AD) and has two types of inscriptions: seal script and regular script. The coin analyzed in this article is in regular script.

M121 is a tomb from the middle and late Southern Song Dynasty, but three early Northern Song Dynasty gold coins were unearthed. Among them, Chunhua gold coins were the earliest, and were the fourth year name coins of Emperor Taizong Zhao Guangyi. They were minted in May of the first year of Chunhua (990 AD) and personally inscribed with inscriptions by Emperor Taizong, making them the earliest "imperial inscriptions coins". The inscriptions were written in cursive script. Jingde Yuanbao was the second reign title of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, Zhao Heng. It was minted during the Jingde period (1004-1007 AD) and was personally inscribed by Emperor Zhenzong of Song, Zhao Heng. The character "de" was omitted from the horizontal line, continuing the calligraphy tradition before the Tang Dynasty and implying the governance philosophy of "saving virtue to ensure the safety of the world". Xiangfu Yuanbao was the third reign title coin of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, Zhao Heng. It was minted during the Dazhong Xiangfu period (1008-1016 AD) and was personally written by Emperor Zhenzong of Song, Zhao Heng, using cursive script. 'Xiangfu' is a symbol of auspiciousness, representing the meaning of happiness, wealth, and longevity, and is full of auspicious energy.

M188 is a tomb from the middle and late Southern Song Dynasty. Shaoxi Yuanbao was the only year name coin of Emperor Guangzong Zhao Dun of Song Dynasty. It was minted during the Shaoxi period (1190-1194) and was made of copper and iron materials. The copper coins were often engraved with chronological numbers such as "yuan", "two", "three", "four", and "five" on the back. The Shaoxi Yuanbao analyzed in this article is made of bronze material with the character "Er" on the back, which means it was cast in the second year of Emperor Guangzong of Song Dynasty (1191).

In the Chengdu area of the Song Dynasty, only iron coins were minted. Copper coins were produced in the southeastern regions of China, and the Song government strictly prohibited the circulation of copper coins in the region([Song] Li, 2004). The "History of the Song Dynasty: Food and Commodity Annals(《宋史·食货志》)" records: "At that time, there were four monitoring stations for copper coins: Raozhou Yongping, Chizhou Yongfeng, Jiangzhou Guangning, and Jianzhou Fengguo. There were monitoring stations in the capital, Sheng'e Hangzhou, and Nan'an armies, but they were later abolished. For casting coins, three catties and ten taels of copper, one catty and eight taels of lead, and eight taels of tin were used, resulting in a thousand coins weighing five catties. Only Jianzhou increased copper by five taels and reduced lead by the same amount." From literature records and archaeological discoveries, it can be seen that the Song Dynasty's monitoring stations were all established in the mineral rich middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and southern China, and there was no monitoring station in Sichuan, so the coins in Sichuan came from other regions. Research has shown that the biggest characteristic of the composition of Northern Song Dynasty bronze coins is that the copper, tin, and lead contents are very consistent, or in other words, the distribution of copper, tin, and lead contents is highly concentrated, ranging from 62% to 68% for copper, 6% to 10% for tin, and 22% to 28% for lead(Zhao, et al. 2009). The coins analyzed in this article possess this characteristic. Therefore, based on the records in the literature and the analysis of the coin composition, the copper coins unearthed from the Song Dynasty tombs in Chengdu all came from outside the region. It is speculated that they were brought here through trade. This is because compared to the iron coins used locally, the copper coins were more precious and were buried in the tombs to represent the possession of wealth in the afterlife.

This article analyzes a copper spoon and 12 coins unearthed from the tombs of the late Tang, Five Dynasties, and Two Song dynasties in the Chengdu Music Square tomb group. It is found that the copper spoon is made of brass material and is hot forged. It is currently the only Song Dynasty brass artifact publicly available in ancient China. Its shape and decoration indicate that it is a Chinese tableware. It was also found in the inland areas of the Northern Song Dynasty court. Ancient literature records that brass smelting had already been carried out in the Song Dynasty and specialized institutions had been established. The artifacts analyzed in this article provide important physical evidence for understanding the smelting and utensil production of brass in the Han area of the Song Dynasty in China.

Copper coins from tombs during the late Tang, Five Dynasties, and Two Song Dynasties are all cast and made of copper tin lead ternary alloy. The lead content of Tang Dynasty coins is lower than that of the Two Song Dynasties, and Song Dynasty coins have a high similarity in alloy composition with coins analyzed in other regions. Due to the lack of a currency supervision system in Sichuan during the Song Dynasty, these coins were produced and circulated here from other regions. The comparison of different denominations of coins such as Tongbao, Zhongbao, and Yuanbao was illustrated, and there was no significant difference in alloy composition, proving that weight and size were important in distinguishing these coins at that time.

The copper coins of the Song Dynasty were exquisite and were remarkable works of art in China's monetary culture. They also served as tangible evidence for studying the economy and culture of the Song Dynasty. Although the Central Plains region during the late Tang Dynasty, the Five Dynasties period, and the early Northern Song Dynasty was relatively chaotic due to wars, Chengdu, as an inland city at that time, was not subject to much invasion. The local people buried in their tombs the practical items and coins they used in life, in order to demonstrate their wealth in the afterlife.

Author contribution

Linjie Ge: was the excavation leader of the Music Hall Cemetery in Wuhou District, Chengdu. He analyzed the age and historical background of the research samples. Tianyuan Yu: conducted instrumental testing and analysis on the samples. Jiangbo Ma analyzed the data and drafted the initial version of the article. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Funding

This research is supported by Humanities and Social Sciences Research Project of Chongqing Municipal Education Commission (24SKJD064), Chongqing Social Science Planning Project (2024NDYB165), Henan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Project (L25HNWWJ-KJ12) and Henan Provincial Top-notch Youth Talent Project for Central Plains Culture in 2025.

Availability of data and materials

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Competing interests

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be constructed as a potential conflict of interest.

【Song】Compiled by Sima Guang. "Zizhi Tongjian·Tang Annals", Zhonghua Book Company, 2012.
Fan Xiaopan, Harbottle Garman, Gao Qiang, et al (2012). Brass before bronze? Early copper-alloy metallurgy in China. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. https://doi.org/10.1039/c2ja10257a
Ling Xue and others from Northwest University conducted an analysis of the copper artifacts unearthed from the Suabash Buddhist Temple in Xinjiang. They discovered 32 pieces of brass artifacts (small items), which might be from the Tang Dynasty. Due to the large quantity, no statistics were made for this part. Reference: Ling Xue, Miao Wenwen, Wu Haoze, et al (2018). Preliminary Technological Analysis of Copperware from the Suabash Buddhist Temple Site in Xinjiang [in Chinese]. Nonferrous Metals (Mining Section).
Yao Zhihui, Shao Yingyin, Ding Sicong, et al (2025). Analysis of gilded coffin decorations unearthed from the Guanzhuang site in Xingyang and discussion on the diversity of gilded bodies [in Chinese]. Huaxia Archaeology.
Cui Jianfeng (2025). From "toushi(鍮石)" to Brass - Research on the Localization Process of Ancient Chinese Brass Technology, Lecture Series on Archaeological Studies of the Graduate School of Archaeology and Museum Studies at Peking University, the Sixth Lecture of the Spring Semester 2025. April.
Gao Keli (2024). Changes in Tang and Song Dynasties' understanding of copper and its smelting technology. Summary of the workshop on "Research Progress of Ancient Chinese Brass". April 7.
【Song】Li Tao, "Continuation of the Zizhi Tongjian", Zhonghua Book Company, 2012.
Zhao Zuoyong, Wang Jijie, Zhang Xiaomei (2009). Comparative Analysis and Research on Bronze Coins of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties[in Chinese]. Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeological Science.

No competing interests reported.

Analysis and Research on the Copper Spoon and Coins Found in the Music Hall Cemetery in Wuhou District, Chengdu, China

Status:

Version 1

Abstract

Figures

Introduction

Samples and Analytical Methods

Sample Background

Microstructure Analysis

Alloy Composition Analysis

Analysis Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Declarations

References

Additional Declarations

Status:

Version 1