Faience Beads from Grave M52 of the Majiayuan Cemetery, China: Materials and Technology

Majiayuan cemetery is located in northwest China, and dates from the late Warring States period (475 BCE to 221 BCE). Grave M52 was located in the west of the cemetery, a total of 297 pieces (sets) of funerary objects were unearthed from the grave. Among the various artifacts unearthed, several types of man-made faience beads were found, including blue and purple faience beads (of two sizes), tubular faience beads, eye beads and white beads, all used as personal adornments. In order to get a better understanding of different faience beads and to analyze their structure and material composition, several scientific methods were employed to enhance our understanding of the materials and craftsmanship, as well as providing valuable insights into the cultural exchanges of the period.