Evaluating the provenance and spatial classification of Goryeo celadon from Jeolla-do, Korea using neutron activation analysis

Abstract

This study conducted neutron activation analysis (NAA) of Goryeo celadon samples focusing on inter-production distance, discriminant elements, and the classification capability of NAA. A total of 178 celadon samples excavated from 15 kilns in Jeolla-do, Korea, were analyzed. Classification potential was assessed at the regional, kiln site, and individual kiln levels using principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis, revealing that the group differentiation increases with decreasing spatial scale. This is interpreted as a result of reduced variability in raw materials and the distinctive production procedures of each production site. Correlations among rare earth elements (REEs), such as La, Sm, Eu, and Yb, and transition metals, such as Cr and Co, were identified as key classification indicators. Accordingly, if optimal conditions for REE quantification are established, the classification performance of NAA in provenance studies is expected to improve. This study suggests that NAA offers significant potential as a high-resolution compositional analysis tool for determining ceramic provenance, identifying production characteristics, and enhancing our understanding of distribution pathways.