Ancient Chinese Mirrors from Japanese Kofun Burial Mounds
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Mirror, Deity and imaginary creature design, From Izumikoganezuka Tumulus, Izumi-shi, Osaka, Kofun period, 4th century (Chinese-made: 3rd century, dated Keisho 3) (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
June 14, 2022 (Tue) - December 11, 2022 (Sun)The mirrors displayed here comprise two types: ones inscribed with their respective years of production, and ones that were passed down through multiple generations before burial in tumuli. The former type are inscribed with Chinese era names from dynasties such as the Wei (220–265) and the Wu (222–280), and have been excavated in limited number from Japanese tumuli. The latter were buried in tumuli years after being produced, and are invaluable for shedding light on the establishment of Kofun-period culture.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Mirror, Deity and imaginary creature design | From Izumikoganezuka Tumulus, Izumi-shi, Osaka | Kofun period, 4th century (Chinese-made: 3rd century, dated Keisho 3) | J-36931-1 | ||
| Important Cultural Property | Mirror (Inscription of Date 240), Divinity and Animal Design | Kofun period, 4th century | Gift of Mr. Igarashi Kan'ei and Mr. Negishi Morisaburo, J-5800 | ||||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Mirror with Human Figures | Passed down at Suda Hachiman Shrine, Wakayama | Kofun period, 5th–6th century |