Investigation of Ancient Chinese Potash Glass by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

In the present study, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (LA-ICP-AES) was successfully used to classify 26 ancient potash glass beads. These samples, mainly dated from the Han Dynasty to the Jin Dynasty, were from several provinces of both China and Vietnam. Quantitative analyses were done with both weathered and polished samples in order to consider the effects of surface weathering. Based on the characteristics of major, minor, and trace elements, we divided the samples into three subgroups (the percentage for each subgroup was 50%, 42%, and 8%, respectively) and also determined their main colorants. The results obtained provide new clues to trace the possible producing centers of ancient potash glasses in Asia. This study also reveals a complex network related to the trade of ancient potash glasses.