The Heiseikan, built to commemorate the crown prince's wedding in 1993, serves primarily as the space for special exhibitions. For this purpose there are four special exhibition galleries on the second floor, as well as the Japanese Archaeological Gallery.
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figurine), Woman in formal attire (detail), Excavated at Yokozuka, Toyoshiro-cho, Isesaki-shi, Gunma, Kofun period, 6th century (Important Cultural Property)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Woman in full dress Haniwa) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
July 4, 2017 (Tue) - June 24, 2018 (Sun)
Exhibiting:
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figurine), Woman in formal attire, Excavated at Yokozuka, Toyoshiro-cho, Isesaki-shi, Gunma, Kofun period, 6th century (Important Cultural Property)
Mountain Worship and the Belief in the Decline of Buddhism
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Microblades, Excavated at Araya Site, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata, Paleolithic period, 16000 BC (Gift of Mr. Hoshino Ryo)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Polished Stone Axes, From Kannoki Site, Shinano-machi, Nagano, Paleolithic period, 35000 BC (Lent by Nagano Prefectural Museum of History, Nagano)
Trapezes, From Kannoki Site, Shinano-machi, Nagano, Paleolithic period, 35000 BC (Lent by Nagano Prefectural Museum of History, Nagano)
Backed Blades, From Kannoki Site, Shinano-machi, Nagano, Paleolithic period, 35000 BC (Lent by Nagano Prefectural Museum of History, Nagano)
Projectile Point, Excavated at Shimoshanabuchi Site, Engaru-cho, Hokkaido, Paleolithic period, 18000 BC (Private collection)
Microblades, Excavated at Araya Site, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata, Paleolithic period, 16000 BC (Gift of Mr. Hoshino Ryo)
Deep Bowl, Excavated at Azusawa Shell Mound, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Jomon period, 1000–400 BC (Gift of Mr. Goto Shuichi)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Stone Rod, Excavated at Hirabayashi, Fujikawa-cho, Yamanashi, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC (Gift of Mr. Hosaka Chojiro)
Deep Bowls, Excavated at Hanamiyama Site, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Jomon period, 11000–7000 BC (Lent by the Yokohama City Board of Education, Kanagawa)
Deep Bowl, Excavated at Natsushima Shell Mound, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa, Jomon period, 7000–4000 BC (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Meiji University Museum, Tokyo)
Deep Jar with Spout, Excavated at Kamifukuoka Shell Mound, Fujimino-shi, Saitama, Jomon period, 4000–3000 BC (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Deep Bowls, Excavated at Habitation Site 1, Takikubo Site, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Musashi Kokubunji, Tokyo)
Jar with Human Figure Ornament, Excavated at Tokoshinai, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori, Jomon period, 2000–1000 BC (Important Cultural Property)
Deep Bowl, Excavated at Azusawa Shell Mound, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Jomon period, 1000–400 BC (Gift of Mr. Goto Shuichi)
Jar, Excavated at Nijofukae, Itoshima-shi, Fukuoka, Yayoi period, 4th–3rd century BC
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Jar, Excavated at Nijofukae, Itoshima-shi, Fukuoka, Yayoi period, 4th–3rd century BC
Stem Cup, Excavated at Higashioda-Nanaita, Chikuzen-machi, Fukuoka, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC (Lent by Chikuzen Education Board, Fukuoka)
Burial Jar, For an infant child, Excavated in Saga prefecture, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC
Long-necked Jar, Excavated at Asagiri-cho, Kumamoto, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Mirror with Semi-triangular Rim, Design of Two Divinities and Two Animals, From Samidatakarazuka Tumulus, Kawai-cho, Nara, Kofun period, 4th–5th century, Important Cultural Property
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
December 5, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Mirror with Semi-triangular Rim, Design of Two Divinities and Two Animals, From Samidatakarazuka Tumulus, Kawai-cho, Nara, Kofun period, 4th–5th century, Important Cultural Property
Gourd-shaped Jar, Haji Earthenware, From Nishi Sutra Mound, Masuda, Natori-shi, Miyagi, Kofun period, 4th–5th century
Mirror, Triangular rim with divinity, beast, chariot, and horse design, Excavated from Oiwayama Tumulus, Koshinohara, Yasu-shi, Shiga, Kofun period, 4th–5th century (Gift of Mr. Sawa Tomonoshin and Mr. Kobayashi Kuichi)
Mirror with Triangular Rim, Dragon and tiger design, Excavated from Izumikoganeduka Tumulus, Izumi-shi, Osaka, Han-Western Jin dynasty, 2nd–3rd century (Japan: Kofun period, 4th–5th century) (Important Cultural Property)
Iron Sword with Floral Ring Pommel, With inscription in gold inlay, Excavated at Todaijiyama Tumulus, Tenri-shi, Nara, Kofun period, 4th century; sword blade: created in China, 2nd century (National Treasure)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
December 5, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Mirror, Alternated geometric pattern with beast design, Excavated from Samita takarazuka Tumulus, Kawai-cho, Nara, Kofun period, 4th–5th century (Important Cultural Property)
Four-legged Vessel, Jasper, Excavated at Oyagatani Tumulus, Tarui-cho, Gifu, Kofun period, 4th–5th century
Iron Sword with Floral Ring Pommel, With inscription in gold inlay, Excavated at Todaijiyama Tumulus, Tenri-shi, Nara, Kofun period, 4th century; sword blade: created in China, 2nd century (National Treasure)
House-shaped Ring Pommel, Excavated at Todaijiyama Tumulus, Tenri-shi, Nara, Kofun period, 4th century (National Treasure)
Ceremonial Object in Shape of Staff, Precious stone, Provenance unknown, Kofun period, 4th century
Visored Helmet, From Otsukayama Tumulus, Gion, Kisarazu-shi, Chiba, Kofun period, 5th century
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
December 5, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Mirror, Divinity and Animal Design, From Okunohara Tumulus, Okazu, Kakegawa-shi, Shizuoka, Kofun period, 5th century
Beaked Helmet, From Kutsukawakurumazuka Tomb, Hirakawa, Joyo-shi, Kyoto, Kofun period, 5th century
Visored Helmet, From Otsukayama Tumulus, Gion, Kisarazu-shi, Chiba, Kofun period, 5th century
Iron Shield, Preserved at Isonokami-Jingu, Tenri-shi, Nara, Kofun period, 5th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Isonokami Jingu, Nara)
Short Cuirass, Vertical iron bands joined with leather, Excavated from Omaruyama Kofun, Koaza Higashiyama, Shimomukoyama-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, Kofun period, 4th century
Gilt Bronze Horse Bit, Excavated from Kenzaki Otsuka, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, Kofun period, 6th century (Gift of Provisional Water Supply Department, Takasaki City)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
December 5, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Mirror, With six bells, Excavated at Ueno Tumulus, Chikusei-shi, Ibaraki, Kofun period, 5th–6th century
Gilt Bronze Horse Bit, Excavated from Kenzaki Otsuka, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, Kofun period, 6th century (Gift of Provisional Water Supply Department, Takasaki City)
Flat Jar with Long Narrow Neck, Excavated at Okushirakata, Tadotsu-cho, Kagawa, Kofun period, 6th century (Gift of Mr. Takeda Kyutaro)
Small coffin, From kamikobayashi-cho, Ota-shi, Gunma, Kofun (Asuka) period, 7th－–8th century (Gift of Mr. Takano Yasaburo)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
December 5, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Mirror, Animal and Grape design, From Nishi Kuruno-cho, Gojyo-shi, Nara, Kofun period, 7th century
Small coffin, From kamikobayashi-cho, Ota-shi, Gunma, Kofun (Asuka) period, 7th–8th century (Gift of Mr. Takano Yasaburo)
Three-color Glazed Urn with Cover, From Ai, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Grass Cinerary Urn, Excavated at Miyaji, Fukutsu-shi, Fukuoka, Nara period, 8th century (National Treasure, Lent by Miyajidake-jinja, Fukuoka)
Three-color Glazed Urn with Cover, From Ai, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
Round Eave Tile, Design of Lotus flower, From the ruins of Asuka-dera, Asuka-mura, Nara, Asuka period, 6–7th century
Five-storied Stupa of Fired Clay, From Tamako-machi, Higashimurayama-shi, Tokyo, Nara period, 8th century
Shibi (kite-shaped ridge-end ornament), From the ruins of temple at Tosaka"Takaida", Kashiwara-shi, Osaka, Asuka–Nara period, 7th–8th century
Bronze Image of Zao Gongen, From Tomb at Mount Omine Peak, Tenkawa-mura, Nara, Heian period, 10th–12th century (Important Art Object)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Bronze Image of Zao Gongen, From Tomb at Mount Omine Peak, Tenkawa-mura, Nara, Heian period, 10th–12th century (Important Art Object)
Finial of Priest's Staff, Bronze, From Mount Nantaisan Peak Tomb, Tyugusi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi, Heian–Kamakura period, 10th–13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Futarasan-jinja, Tochigi)
Bell with Handle, Bronze, From Mount Nantaisan Peak Tomb, Tyugusi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi, Heian–Kamakura period, 10th–13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Futarasan-jinja, Tochigi)
Iron Spearheads, From Mount Nantaisan Peak Tomb, Tyugusi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi, Heian–Kamakura period, 10th–13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Futarasan-jinja, Tochigi)
Jar, Autumn grass design, From Minami Kase, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Keio University, Tokyo)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
July 4, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Itabi with Sanskrit Characters Symbolizing Amitabha Triad, Muromachi period, dated 1457
Ewer, White porcelain, Jingdezhen ware, ChinaFrom Minamishiga-cho, Otsu-shi, Shiga, Kamakura Period, 13th–14th century (Northern Song dynasty, 11th century), (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Omi-jingu, Shiga)
Jar, Autumn grass design, From Minami Kase, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Keio University, Tokyo)
Sake Flasks, Excavated on the premises of the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Edo period, 18th–19th century
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Chronological Exhibition) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Roof Tile, Edo period, 17th–19th century
Round Eave Tile with Gold Leafwith plum brossom crest, From Yuraku-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Edo period, 17th century
Cakra Wheel, From site of Honmaru Palace, Edo Castle, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Edo period, 17th century
Gold coin (Keicho oban), Azuchi-Momoyama～Edo period, 16th–17th century (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Sake Flasks, Excavated on the premises of the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Edo period, 18th–19th century
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb object), Bird spreading its wings, Excavated at Dainichiyama No. 35 Tumulus, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama, Kofun period, 6th century (Important Cultural Property, Wakayama Prefectural Board of Education)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - March 4, 2018 (Sun)
Around the estuary of the Kinokawa river in Wakayama city lie the Iwase Senzuka tumuli, which were constructed between the 4th and 7th centuries. Containing about 850 separate tumuli within three square kilometers – an unparalleled number in Japan – this area received the national designation of Special Historic Site. Although some of these haniwa are similar to those excavated from the tumuli of kings in the Kansai area, others appear to be entirely unique, including ones shaped like birds spreading their wings, quivers that would have been worn at the hip, and a human figure with two faces. This exchange is also illustrated by other objects excavated from the tumuli, such as the Korean pottery vessels and blacksmithing tools from the Dainichiyama No. 70 tumulus.
This thematic exhibition was made possible through the Program for the Reciprocal Exchange of Archaeological Artifacts (2017) organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The majority of the objects on display are from the collection of the Wakayama Prefectural Kii-fudoki-no-oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore.
Fishhook, Excavated at Hibiki Shell Mound, Higashi Matsushima-shi, Miyagi, Jomon period, 2000–400 BC
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Toggling Harpoon HeadIn shape of swallow tail, Excavated at Nakazawahama Shell Mound, Rikuzentakata-shi, Iwate, Jomon period, 1000–400 BC (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Fishhook, Excavated at Hibiki Shell Mound, Higashi Matsushima-shi, Miyagi, Jomon period, 2000–400 BC
Saw Shaped Stone Objects, From Tomie-machi, Goto-shi, Nagasaki, Jomon period, 2000–1000 BC (Gift of Mr. Konishi Hajime)
Polished Stone Axe (Unfinished), Excavated in Hokkaido, Jomon period, 7000–3000 BC
Bone Hairpin, Excavated at Kamitakatsu Shell Mound, Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki, Jomon period, 2000–400 BC
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Bone Hairpin, Excavated at Kamitakatsu Shell Mound, Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki, Jomon period, 2000–400 BC
Jade Axe, Excavated at Yuzukami, Otawara-shi, Tochigi, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC (Important Cultural Property)
Antler Pendant, Excavated at Kamegaoka, Kizukuri, Tsugaru-shi, Aomori, Jomon period, 2000–400 BC (Gift of Mr. Sugawara Satoshi)
Antler Pendant, Excavated at Kamegaoka, Kizukuri, Tsugaru-shi, Aomori, Jomon period, 1000–400 BC
Stone Object in Shape of Chinese Broadsword, Provenance unknown, Jomon period, 3000–1000 BC (Private collection)
Headgear-shaped Stone Object, Excavated at Shiojiri-machi, Shiojiri-shi, Nagano, Jomon period, 2000–400 BC (Gift of Mr. Sakura Samojiro)
Dogu (Clay figurine), With goggle-shaped eyes, Excavated at Rokugo ishinadate, Misato-cho, Akita, Jomon period, 1,000–400 BC
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Dogu (Clay figurine), With goggle-shaped eyes, Excavated at Rokugo ishinadate, Misato-cho, Akita, Jomon period, 1,000–400 BC
Clay Mask, Excavated at Kamegaoka, Kizukuri, Tsugaru-shi, Aomori, Jomon period, 1000–400 BC (Important Cultural Property)
Gangu (Stone Figurine), Excavated at Komukai, Nanbu-cho, Aomori, Jomon period, 1000–400 BC
Unfinished Blonze Arrowhead, From Shiga, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Wooden Clog Used in Rice Field, Excavated at Sena Site, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, Yayoi period, 2nd century BC–3rd century AD (Lent by Shizuoka Prefectural Education Commission)
Tip of Bronze Spade Blade, Excavated at Tateishi, Kokura, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century
Iron Axe, Excavated at the mountain behind Korinji Temple, Shinonoi, Nagano-shi, Nagano, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC
Unfinished Blonze Arrowhead, From Shiga, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century
Octopus Trap Jar, Excavated at Tadei-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka, Yayoi period, 2nd century BC–3rd century AD (Gift of Mr. Watada Zentaro)
Clay Spindle Whorl, Excavated at Orimoto-cho, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC (Gift of Ms. Noguchi Kane)
Oracle Bone, Excavated at Bishamon C Cave, Miura-shi, Kanagawa, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Bronze Bracelet, Excavated at Nishiyama Park, Nishiyama-cho, Sabae-shi, Fukui, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century
Polished Stone Halberd, Excavated at the riverbed of Kabura River, Tomioka, Tomioka-shi, Gunma, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC (Gift of Mr. Wada Senkichi and Ms. Ueda Yaeko)
Oracle Bone, Excavated at Bishamon C Cave, Miura-shi, Kanagawa, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century
Bronze Sword with "Insect Antenna" Pommel, Excavated at Kawazu, Kashiwazaki, Karatsu-shi, Saga, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Dotaku (Bell-shaped bronze), Excavated at Mizotani, Kehi, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC (Important Cultural Property)
Bronze Sword with "Insect Antenna" Pommel, Excavated at Kawazu, Kashiwazaki, Karatsu-shi, Saga, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC
Bronze Sword Blade, Narrow blade type, Excavated at Akasaki, Iwara, Itoshima-shi, Fukuoka, Yayoi period, 4th–3rd century BC
Bronze Halberd, Narrow blade type, Excavated at Yasu Nagata, Yubi-machi, Tosu-shi, Saga, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC (Gift of Mr. Moji Tsuneo)
Mold of Bronze Halberd, Excavated at Ichiinoki, Kami Izumi, Kuboizumi-machi, Saga-shi, Saga, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC (Important Cultural Property)
Dotaku (Bell-shaped bronze), Excavated at Oiwayama, Koshinohara, Yasu-shi, Shiga, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century (Important Cultural Property)
Lead Spearhead, Excavated at Kuri Elementary School grounds, Karatsu-shi, Saga, Yayoi period, 2nd–1st century BC
Deep Bowl, Excavated at Etomo-cho, Muroran-shi, Hokkaido, Epi-Jomon period, 2nd–1st century BC
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
January 2, 2018 (Tue) - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Spade, Whale bone, Excavated at Etomo-cho, Muroran-shi, Hokkaido, Epi-Jomon period, 2nd–1st century BC
Deep Bowl, Excavated at Etomo-cho, Muroran-shi, Hokkaido, Epi-Jomon period, 2nd–1st century BC
Jar, Excavated at Bentenjima Island, Nemuro-shi, Hokkaido, Okhotsk Culture period, 5th–6th century
Fish-shaped Stone Object, Provenance unknown, Epi-Jomon period, 2nd–1st century BC (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Pendant, Fur-seal fang, Excavated at Yukawa Shell Mound, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido, Epi-Jomon period, 2nd century BC–3rd century AD (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Mirror (Inscription of Date 240), Divinity and Animal Design, Kofun period, 4th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Igarashi Kan'ei and Mr. Negishi Morisaburo)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
June 27, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Mirror, TLV Pattern and Four Divinities Design, Kofun period, 3rd–4th century (Important Art Object, Private collection)
Mirror (Inscription of Date 235), TLV Pattern and Four Divinities Design, Provenance Unknown, Kofun period, 3rd–4th century (Private collection)
Mirror (Inscription of Date 238), Divinity and Animal Design, Kofun period, 4th century (Important Cultural Property)
Mirror, Deity and imaginary creature design, From Izumikoganezuka Tumulus, Izumi-shi, Osaka, Kofun period, 4th century (Chinese-made: 3rd century) (Important Cultural Property)
Mirror (Inscription of Date 240), Divinity and Animal Design, Kofun period, 4th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Igarashi Kan'ei and Mr. Negishi Morisaburo)
Mirror, Human figure design, Passed down at Suda Hachiman Jinja, Hashimoto-shi, Wakayama, Kofun period, 5th–6th century (National Treasure)
Mirror, Deity and animal design (detail), Excavated at Izumi Koganezuka Tumulus, Izumi-shi, Osaka, Kofun period, 4th century (Created in China, 3rd century) (Important Cultural Property)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
December 5, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Bronze mirrors of Japan’s Yayoi (ca. 5th century BC–3rd century AD) and Kofun (ca. 3rd–7th century) periods were either imported from China or created on the Japanese archipelago. The former were mostly in the Han style, created after the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220). Japanese mirrors were modeled on Chinese ones. Many are smaller in size with some featuring attached bells.
Including:
Mirror, Interconnected arcs design, Excavated at Chohoji Minamibara Tumulus, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto, Kofun period, 4th century (Created in China, 2nd–3rd century)
Mirror, Deity and animal design, Excavated at Izumi Koganezuka Tumulus, Izumi-shi, Osaka, Kofun period, 4th century (Created in China, 3rd century) (Important Cultural Property)
Mirror, Buddhist deity and animal design, Excavated at Obosan Tumulus, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama, Kofun period, 6th century (Created in China, 5th century)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
June 27, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Kudatama beads, From site at Ege, Kamiuekihon-machi, Isezaki-shi, Gunma, Kofun period, 5th–6th century
Stone Ritual Sickle, Excavated at Samita Takarazuka Tumulus, Kawai-cho, Nara, Kofun period, 4th–5th century (Important Cultural Property)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
December 5, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
After the 4th century, treasured articles made of stone, such as jasper and green tu , were created. The production of these articles was initiated
by the Yamato Kingdom based in the Kinai region, where Nara and Kyoto are located today, with the assistance of chiefs from the Hokuriku region, which lies to the north along the Japan Sea. Initially, these articles were created mainly in the shapes of bracelets, vessels, and weapons, but a wider variety of steatite objects began to be created from the end of the 4th century.
Including:
Lidded Stone Vessel, Excavated at Tsuruyama Maruyama Tumulus, Bizen-shi, Okayama, Kofun period, 4th–5th century
Stone Ritual Dagger, Excavated at Mikakushiyama Tumulus, Kani-shi, Gifu, Kofun period, 4th century
Stone Ritual Sickle, Excavated at Samita Takarazuka Tumulus, Kawai-cho, Nara, Kofun period, 4th–5th century (Important Cultural Property)
Stone Ritual Tubs, Excavated at Noge Otsuka Tumulus, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Kofun period, 5th century (Important Cultural Property)
Stone Object in Shape Pedestal, Excavated at Shin'yama Tumulus, Koryo-cho, Nara, Kofun period, 4th century (Lent by The Imperial Household Agency)
Iron Hoe, Excavated at Miwa Katayama Tumulus, Nankoku-shi, Kochi, Kofun period, 5th–6th century (Gift of Mr. Ichihara Kamenosuke)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
December 5, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
In the 5th century, advanced forging techniques were introduced from the Korean peninsula to the Japanese archipelago, resulting in changes in the points of iron blades that were mounted on agricultural tools. The dissemination of highly functional agricultural tools, which increased production in forestry and agriculture, had a great e ect on the society of the Kofun period.
Including:
Iron Adze, Excavated at Hazeyama Tumulus, Iizuka-shi, Fukuoka, Kofun period, 5th–6th century (Gift of Mr. Abe Eizo)
Iron Sickle, Excavated at Hazeyama Tumulus, Iizuka-shi, Fukuoka, Kofun period, 5th–6th century (Gift of Mr. Abe Eizo)
Iron Hoe, Excavated at Miwa Katayama Tumulus, Nankoku-shi, Kochi, Kofun period, 5th–6th century (Gift of Mr. Ichihara Kamenosuke)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
June 27, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
In the 7th to 8th centuries, iron swords with hilts shaped like fern fronds (called warabite swords in Japanese) were disseminated throughout the Japanese archipelago. In eastern Japan, and the northeastern Tohoku region in particular, these swords have been excavated in great quantities from tumuli and ancient graves. Their use as grave goods shows that burial practices were di erent from those practiced in the capital.
Flower-shaped Ornament for Stone Headrest, Stone, From Komatsu Kouzaki-machi, Katori-gun, Chiba, Kofun period, 5th–6th century (Gift of Mr. Endo Daijiro)
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
June 27, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)
Including:
Pillow, From site at Kamihosoi-machi, Maebashi-shi, Gunma, Kofun period, 5th century
Ritual Pillow, Stone, From Takakura Tumulus, Takakura, Narita-shi, Chiba, Kofun period, 5th–6th century (Gift of Mr. Nemoto Yasutaro)
Flower-shaped Ornament for Stone Headrest, Stone, From Komatsu Kouzaki-machi, Katori-gun, Chiba, Kofun period, 5th–6th century (Gift of Mr. Endo Daijiro)
Miniature Mirror, From Yamanokami Site, Baba, Miwa, Sakurai-shi, Nara, Kofun period, 5th century
1st floor: Japanese Archaeology (Thematic Exhibitions)
