Newly Designated Important Cultural Properties: Objects Excavated from Noge Otsuka Tumulus, Tokyo

Constructed in the 5th century during the Kofun period （ca. 3rd–7th century）, Noge Otsuka tumulus in Tokyo is shaped like a scallop and is 82 meters in length. A stone coffin, which was unearthed in 1897, and steatite models of objects used for rituals involving water and those associated with the production of goods were unearthed from this tumulus.

Because of their high academic value in the study of grave goods from eastern Japan, these objects were designated as Important Cultural Properties this year. We hope that these exhibits will shed light on how rituals were carried out in the mid-Kofun period.