Japanese Coins Throughout History
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Tensho Hishi (With lozenge-shaped mark) Oban, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1588 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
August 2, 2016 (Tue) - September 25, 2016 (Sun)Early examples of Japanese coins include bronze "Fuhonsen" and unmarked silver "Mumon Ginsen". Both of these types of coins were minted in the 7th century during the Asuka period. During the following 250 years, twelve types of bronze coins of the imperial court ("Kocho Junisen") were issued in Japan. Among these, "Wado Kaichin" were minted in the 8th century during the Nara period. In the late 10th century, during the Heian period, coin minting was suspended and imported Chinese bronze coins alone were circulated during the following Kamakura (1192–1333) and Muromachi (1392–1573) periods. In the 16th century, during a time of civil war, gold and silver coins were minted within the domains of various feudal lords for commercial transactions as well as to reward distinguished services in battle.
This exhibition traces the history of coins from Japan's ancient to early modern times with authentic examples of coins that many Japanese have seen in textbooks and historical dramas.
Including:
Tensho Hishi (With lozenge-shaped mark) Oban, Gold coin, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1588 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Wado Kaichin, Bronze coin, Nara period, 8th century (Imperial Household Ministry)
Hirumokin (In shape of hirumo plant), Gold coin, Muromachi period, 16th century (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Tensho Naga (Long) Oban, Gold coin, Azuchi-Momoyama period, ca. 1595-1600 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Tenpo Oban, Gold coin, Edo period, 1838-41 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Keicho Koban, Gold coin, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, dated 1601? - 95 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Genroku Koban, Gold coin, Edo period, 1695-1710 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)