Abstract:Alloy compositions and metallographic structures of a batch of bronze mirrors unearthed in Chang’an (now Xi’an) area, which dated from Western Han Dynasty to Wei and Jin Dynasties, were analyzed with XRF, SEM-EDS, and Optical Microscopy. The results show that all samples are of leaded high tin bronze, and the alloy compositions accord with typical recipe of Han mirrors. Mirrors from different period have similar compositions, reflecting the stability of alloy techniques. It is deduced that the tested alloy recipe of Han mirror should be formed in mid-Western Han and inherited by later generations. All mirrors are made by casting, and have not been quenched so far. The provenance of tin resources used in mirror production in Chang’an is discussed based on combination of history information and modern geological research.