Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Last State Monopoly Iron Works in Imperial China: The Zunhua Iron Works of the Ming Dynasty

  • Published:
JOM Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Zunhua iron works was the last state monopoly iron industry in Imperial China. Its history could be a clue to explain why such a well-developed iron industry in ancient China faded after the works collapse. From the available historical record, the study found that the iron works had a complex history with several openings, closings and relocations. In order to prove this, field investigations were carried out and three locations were finally confirmed, and a well-preserved furnace and many iron- and steel-making relics were found. Lastly, these relics, including the fuel, iron ores, and flux, were analyzed in order to infer the relevant iron- and steel-making technology in use at that time.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. R. Han and J. Ko, A History of Science and Technology in China, Mining and Metallurgy (Peking: Science Press, 2007), p. 582.

    Google Scholar 

  2. D.B. Wagner, Science and Civilization in China, Volume 5, Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part II: Ferrous Metallurgy (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008), p. 277.

    Google Scholar 

  3. D. Li and S. Shen, Da Ming Hui Dian, Ming Wanli ed. (China, 1573-1620), p. 194.

  4. S. Yang, Ming Shi Lu 4, Ming Xuan Zong Shi Lu, Photocopy of Hongge ed. (Shanghai: Shanghai Press, 1982), p. 0381.

  5. Q. Zheng, Zun Hua Zhou Zhi, Carving Copy of Qing KangXi ed. (China, 1662-1722), p. 2.

  6. Z. Chen, Ming Jing Shi Wen Bian, Bu Yi 2, Carving Copy of Ming ChongZhen ed. (China, 1628-1644), p. 4.

  7. S. Yang, Ming Shi Lu 5, Ming Ying Zong Shi Lu, Photocopy of Hongge ed. (Shanghai: Shanghai Press, 1982), p. 0490.

  8. R. Zhang, Ming Shi Lu 11, Ming Shen Zong Shi Lu, Photocopy of Hongge ed. (Shanghai: Shanghai Press, 1982), p. 2109.

  9. Y. Song and J. Pan, Tian Kong Kai Wu Yi Zhu (Shanghai: Shanghai Ancient Books Press, 2008), p. 147.

    Google Scholar 

  10. G. Zhu, Yong Zhuang Xiao Ping (Shanghai: Zhaong Hua Books Company, 1959), p. 94.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Y. Liu, Cultural Relics, 18 (1978).

Download references

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Professor Rubin Han, Professor Yanxiang Li, Mr Guangbao Wan and Mr Zhengang Gao for their great support on field investigations and discussions, and many thanks to Professor Michael R. Notis for editing the English text.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Science and Technology Beijing, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China

    Hongli Chen & Wei Qian

  2. Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Pukou District, Nanjing, 210044, Jiangsu Province, China

    Haifeng Liu

Authors
  1. Hongli Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Haifeng Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Wei Qian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Haifeng Liu or Wei Qian.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chen, H., Liu, H. & Qian, W. The Last State Monopoly Iron Works in Imperial China: The Zunhua Iron Works of the Ming Dynasty. JOM 69, 1093–1099 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-016-2161-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-016-2161-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation