These proceedings are the papers chosen for a symposium held at the Freer Gallery of Art in the fall of 2001. The timing of the symposium was intended to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the pursuit of scientific research at the Freer. The aim was to survey the current state of scientific research in the field and to bring together researchers from Asia, Europe, and America. It is divided into five sections : Ornament; Bronze and Iron in China; Metalworking traditions; Paintings; Glass, Jade and Ceramics