The Journal of Light Scattering, Volume. 37, Issue 2, 331(2025)

Technological analysis and protection and restoration of the remains of crossbows unearthed from the first pit of Qin Terracotta Warriors

WANG Chun-yan1, LI Man2、*, ZHOU Ping1, ZHU Zhenyu1, HUANG Feixiang3, and XIAO Weiguo1
Author Affiliations
  • 1Key Scientific Research Base of Ancient Polychrome Pottery Conservation (Emperor Qingshihuang's mausoleum Site Museum), Shaanxi lintong 710600
  • 2Cultural Relics Protection Center of Handan, Handan 056002
  • 3Gansu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Gansu Lanzhou 730030
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    The remains of crossbows unearthed in Pit 1 of the Qin Terra Cotta Warriors was the only one that had been protected and repaired. The remains of crossbows provided valuable materials for the understanding of the shape of crossbows in the Qin Dynasty. Profile microscopy, scanning electron microscopy energy spectrum, raman spectroscopy Infrared spectroscopy, pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis were conducted on the red, brown, white substance of the crossbow ruins, the structure was showed as three layers, with the first layer (bottom layer) consisting of white material such as calcium carbonate, the second layer (middle layer) consisting mainly of brown material such as Chinese lacquer, animal glue, and plant glue, and the third layer (surface layer) consisting mainly of red material such as cinnabar and organic binders (Contains proteins binders), which highlighted the history of Chinese lacquer agricultural culture, mineral pigments, and ancient civilization coexisting. The process of extracting, protecting, and restoring crossbow relics was mainly involved soil relic extraction, laboratory protection and restoration, as well as exhibition and transportation safety. It was a process of referencing and continuously experimenting with relic extraction, protection and restoration techniques. The extraction, protection, and restoration techniques of crossbow relics not only inherit but also innovate, in order to provide reference for later relic protection.

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    WANG Chun-yan, LI Man, ZHOU Ping, ZHU Zhenyu, HUANG Feixiang, XIAO Weiguo. Technological analysis and protection and restoration of the remains of crossbows unearthed from the first pit of Qin Terracotta Warriors[J]. The Journal of Light Scattering, 2025, 37(2): 331

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    Paper Information

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    Received: Nov. 19, 2024

    Accepted: Jul. 31, 2025

    Published Online: Jul. 31, 2025

    The Author Email: LI Man (895843503@qq.com)

    DOI:10.13883/j.issn1004-5929.202502022

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