A Mini‐Review on Chinese Ancient Porcelain Research: Application of <scp>EDXRF</scp> Technology in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conservation

ABSTRACT In recent years, energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) has emerged as a nondestructive compositional analysis technique widely used in archaeology and cultural heritage preservation. This technology extracts elemental composition data without damaging artifacts, providing insights into the social characteristics and cultural contexts. This article explores the significant role of EDXRF in the study of artifact manufacturing processes, spatiotemporal discrimination, line scanning and surface scanning analyses, and cultural relics preservation, particularly its potential in revealing manufacturing techniques, material sources, and color formation mechanisms. EDXRF, in combination with other techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), provides an in‐depth analysis of the chemical composition of porcelain throughout the ages, which can improve the understanding of ceramic firing processes. Due to the limitations of single EDXRF analysis in the revelation of element valence and chemical environment, the integration of EDXRF technology with methods such as XANES facilitates a deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying color formation. Regarding spatiotemporal discrimination, integrating elemental analysis using EDXRF with established compositional databases significantly enhances the scientific rigor and precision of archaeological investigations. Moreover, integrating EDXRF with complementary physicochemical analytical methods enables researchers to effectively identify the primary causes of damage to artifacts, thereby offering a scientific basis for the selection of suitable conservation materials and restoration techniques and facilitating the effective preservation of cultural heritage. While EDXRF has specific limitations in the analysis of light elements, its integration with advanced analytical techniques and the establishment of comprehensive compositional databases significantly enhances the accuracy and reliability of artifact research and preservation. The application of EDXRF revitalizes the field of archaeology, and its role in cultural heritage preservation is anticipated to grow further.