Metal Plate Connectors and Iron Nails on the Tripitaka Koreana Printing Woodblocks

Abstract

The compositions of the metal plate connectors and nails that make up the Korean Buddhist Tripitaka (Canon) Printing Woodblocks, carved between AD 1236 and 1251 were determined using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) and scanning electron microscopy. Copper was the main component of the metal plate connectors, as determined by XRF analysis. The composition of the nails used to connect the end pieces and the main printing wooden plate was mainly iron according to EPMA results. The iron nails were made through hand-forging of sponge iron.