Development of the Production of Beads and Jade Objects
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Comma-Shaped Beads (Magatama), Found at Tōdaijiyama Tumulus, Nara, Kofun period, 4th century (National Treasure)
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
June 14, 2022 (Tue) - December 11, 2022 (Sun)Beads produced in the Kofun period (ca. 3rd–7th century), which changed in complicated ways over time, show great variety both in terms of type and material. They were combined in various ways depending on who wore them and what rituals they were used for. In the first half of the Kofun period, the Hokuriku and San’in regions – located along the Sea of Japan – were the main centers of the bead production, while the latter half of the period saw mass production even in the Kinki region, where Kyoto and Osaka are located today.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Comma-Shaped Beads ("Magatama") | Found at Tōdaijiyama Tumulus, Nara | Kofun period, 4th century | J-39168 | ||
| Highlight | Cylindrical Beads ("Kudatama"), Jasper | Excavated at Funakiyama No. 24 Tumulus, Motosu-shi, Gifu | Kofun period, 4th-5th century | J-38333-11 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Barrel-Shaped Beads | Found at Izumi Koganezuka Tumulus, Osaka | Kofun period, 4th–5th century | J-36931-27 |