An authoritative guide for use in the dating of ancient Chinese bronzes . Begins with an introduction to Chinese bronzes and bronze casting techniques of ancient China. Later chapters discuss authentication techniques in general and include sections dealing with metallurgical analysis, x-ray thermoluminescence, carbon-14 dating, high power microscopy, and digital scanning scientific procedures. There are also chapters that discuss patination and corrosion, positive visual considerations in authentication, inlaid designs and inscriptions. Also included is a catalog of what Allen considers to be affordable bronzes and a chapter on fakes and forgeries and their detection. Includes over 250 illustrations in color including close-ups and x-rays.