• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.345-351
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• 2014

Chemical and Pb isotope analysis were performed in order to determine the origin of bronze artefacts excavated from the Inyongsaji site in South Korea. The result of ICP-MS shows that they are tin bronzes in which lead was not intentionally added during production. Pb isotope data analyzed by TIMS are plotted in the southern region of Korea and China of the distribution map drawn by Mabuchi(1985). On the other hand, the identical isotope data are plotted in the Taebaek basin and the Olcheon metamorphic belt correspondent to zone2 and zone3 respectively. It is believed that the isotope data on the tin bronzes which have very low lead content can be used to trace the origin of copper ore rather than those of either lead or tin ore. Pb istope analysis allows diverse interpretation as it can be applied to any object containing trace amounts of lead. In addition, accumulation of isotope data as well as further studies will improve reliability of the provenance studies.