Cultural Interactions in Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry: The Case of Western Painting's Eastward Spread and Chinese Porcelain's Westward Transmission

Abstract

This paper explores the historical causes behind the eastward spread of Western painting and its impact on Chinese culture, while simultaneously analyzing the profound influence of Chinese porcelain's westward transmission on Western culture, from a multidisciplinary archaeological perspective. By integrating archaeometric and natural scientific methodologies, the study elaborates on the dissemination and integration of Western painting techniques and Chinese porcelain craftsmanship in the ancient Mediterranean region. It reveals the complex mechanisms of cultural reciprocity during this process. The research not only encompasses art history and cultural heritage management but also incorporates the latest findings from archaeological geology, environmental archaeology, and biomolecular archaeology, providing a novel perspective on understanding cultural interactions in the ancient Mediterranean area.