Jianjun Meia,b  Pu Wanga  Kunlong Chena  Lu Wanga  Yingchen Wanga  Yaxiong Liua

（a The Institute of Historical Metallurgy and Materials, University of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China;

b The Needham Research Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom）

Abstract：On the basis of a review of major research achievements over the past ten years, this paper discusses some challenging issues in current studies of ancient Chinese metallurgy, with a focus on the beginnings of bronze metallurgy in China, regional bronze technologies during the Shang dynasty, early developments of iron technology, emergence of lost-wax casting technology, manufacturing techniques of gold objects, and Qin metallurgy. It will also offer some observations on future directions for the study of ancient Chinese metallurgy.

Keywords:Archaeometallurgy;Early China;Ancient metallurgy;Bronze technology;Lost-wax casting

Archaeometallurgical studies in China: some recent developments and challenging issues