Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c6.44

v1.c6.44

According to the studies of Qian Wei, a scholar of history of metallurgy, the *Jin tai zu shi lu* (*Authentic Records of Emperor Taizu of Jin*) mentions that “Liao used fagoted iron as its state title although it was hard, it would finally be destroyed.” This however, cannot be regarded as the definitive evidence of Khitan people having grasped the forging technology for preparation of this kind of special steel. This may have been fabricated by the Jin people. The establishment of a “Fagoted Iron Bureau” in the Yuan Dynasty is recorded in the *Yuan shi: xuan ju zhi san* (*History of the Yuan Dynasty: Record of Election III*). The use of the name “fagoted iron”, however, cannot be truly regarded as evidence of the introduction of this metallurgical technology in China. It may have been used to manage Semu ironsmiths from Central and West Asia. In view of the lack of reliable evidence of fagoted iron production in the Central Plains of China, new knowledge on the development of metallurgy arising out of archaeological excavations in Xinjiang provide more valuable evidence on sources and expansion of fagoted iron technology. According to Shen Maoshang’s *Si yi kuang ji* (*Extensive Records of Four Borders*), fagoted iron was made in Huozhou, Xinjiang (present-day Hala), about 70 li to the west of Liucheng and 30 li to the east of Turfan. Huozhou offered fagoted iron knives and files, as well as various kinds of clasp knives and diamond drill as tribute. Fagoted iron was also made in Hami Region, Xinjiang during the Ming period, and there were iron ores which could be used to refine it. The “fagoted iron was made from whetstone, also known as “iron stone” and it was obtained by cutting the stone,” (also referred to Official Records of Hami). The *Si yi kuang ji* (*Extensive Records of Four Borders*) mentions that Bengal (ie undivided Bengal region) also made fagoted iron knives. Fagoted iron products are recorded more extensively in the Ming Dynasty. Cao Zhao’s *Ge gu yao lun* (*Important Theory of Assessing Antiques*) notes that it came from the Western Regions and its surface had spiral and sesame snowflake-like patterns. Polished fagoted iron knives and swords can be verified by their spun golden alum pattern, while the fake ones are distinguishable by their black colour. Fang Yizhi in Volume VII of his *Wuli xiao zhi* (*Physics Knowledge*) also refers to the same method for verification.