Pulse thermal imaging of FUHAO bronze artifact

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that pulsed thermal imaging combined with heat conduction models and thermal tomography effectively identifies restoration traces, material degradation, and assembly details of an ancient bronze artifact, aiding conservation efforts.

Contribution

It introduces a non-destructive method using pulsed thermal imaging and thermal tomography for detailed subsurface analysis of cultural heritage bronze artifacts.

Findings

Successful localization of repair crevices and patches

Identification of assembly from multiple fragments

Detection of surface corrosion and conservation evidence

Abstract

The accurate identification of historical restoration traces and material degradation is essential for the scientific preservation of ancient bronzes. In this study, the prestigious FUHAO bronze artifact (late Shang period, 13th-11th century BCE) was non-destructively examined using pulsed thermal imaging (PT). By combining single- and double-layer heat conduction models with Thermal Tomography (TT), this approach allowed for precise spatial localization of repair crevices, patches, and filler materials, while also distinguishing restorative interventions from the original bronze substrate. The artifact was revealed to have been assembled from multiple fragments, exhibiting uneven surface corrosion and clear evidence of prior conservation. The results not only provide direct insights for conservation strategy and historical interpretation but also demonstrate the capability of pulsed thermal imaging as an effective diagnostic tool for the integrated surface and subsurface assessment of cultural heritage objects.