This x-ray shows a Han dancing lady created using fragments of clay from different pieces.  This forgery was initially detected from the TL.  Different glow-curve shapes obtained from the head and body.  Glow-curves from the face and back of the head were different.   X-rays confirmed that the face was cut from another piece and attached to the head.  X-rays also revealed joins at the waist, buttock and lower part of the skirt.

In a similar way we discovered that a number of green-glazed pottery owls, supposedly from the Han dynasty, which were made from fragments of ancient pottery covered in coloured acrylic glue. Acrylic glue sets deceptively hard, in the manner of a true glaze. The only part free from “glaze” was an insert of an age appropriate fragment in the base of the owl.  The glue dissolved in acetone.

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