Sword from Todaijiyama Tumulus with Inscription
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Iron Sword with Gold Inlay Inscription and Ring Pommel with Flower-shaped Decoration, At Ichinomoto-cho, Tenri-shi, Nara, Kofun period, 4th century (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
July 20, 2005 (Wed) - September 19, 2005 (Mon)In 1960 (Showa 35), an excavation and investigation of the Todaijiyama tumulus in Nara prefecture's Tenri-shi unearthed a sword with an inscription of the Chinese Eastern Han dynasty' s Zhong Ping era (184 - 189), followed by 22 characters. This is known as the oldest sword with an inscription in Japan. This special exhibition reintroduces the sword and additional swords and bronze ring-shaped sword pommels are also exhibited.