Scientific Analysis of Glass Eyes Excavated from Luojiaba Site in Xuanhan, Sichuan Province

The analysis focuses on morphology, structure, phase composition, and chemical makeup of the beads. The findings reveal that these glass eye beads exhibit varying degrees of vitrification, with two primary flux systems identified: potassium-calcium and lead-barium.

Based on differences in internal and surface structure and composition, the beads are categorized into three types: potassium-calcium glass, potassium-calcium faience, and lead-barium faience. These beads appear to be imitations of the soda-lime glass glass eye beads imported from abroad, likely resulting from interactions with the Chu culture and the Central Plains regions. Of particular note is the discovery of Chinese blue synthetic pigment within the glass or vitrified faience glass eye beads from the Luojiaba site, which holds significant implications for understanding the technological origins and development of lead-barium glass, as well as broader cultural exchanges.