Copper Smelting in Japan - 4d200b221410c1444d17ea0f8adeaad7 (page 15)

A finely illustrated Japanese scroll on paper with manuscript notes depicting the Nanban-Buki method of separating copper from silver (copper smelting). The scroll depicts every step of smelting using the "Nanban-Buki" process, the then-new process of fire roasting copper ore and then smelting in a hearth to remove slags. Molten copper matter produced was then solidified by water sprays and removed from the hearth. The solid matte layers were then transferred to another hearth and smelted with charcoal and air blasts. Iron and sulfur remaining in the matte were removed as slag and waste gas and eventually cured copper was obtained. Illustrated in this scroll is the separation of silver from copper, a very large water-driven machine designed to break down the ores, and a beach scene where further refining is done with salt water. Government officials carefully watch all the processes to ensure quality control and prevent theft.