The Sound of Ancient Bells
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Cheek Plates of a Horse Bit with Bells, Found at Uenoyama Tumulus, Yamaguchi, Kofun period, 6th century, Gift of Toyonishi-village, Yamaguchi
Heiseikan Japanese Archaeology Gallery
June 14, 2022 (Tue) - December 11, 2022 (Sun)In the 5th and 6th centuries, during the mid- to the late Kofun period, bells became widely used. A range of bronze objects, such as bracelets, mirrors, and horse tack, were also fitted with bells. With their metallic sheen and resonant sound, these bells probably had the roles of enhancing the solemnity of rituals and the dignity of rulers.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Bracelet with Bells | Reportedly found in Fukaya City, Saitama | Kofun period, 5th–6th century | J-7387 | |||
| Highlight | Mirror with Seven Bells | Found at Mikuradō Site, Nara | Kofun period, 5th–6th century | J-20640 | |||
| Highlight | Cheek Plates of a Horse Bit with Bells | Found at Uenoyama Tumulus, Yamaguchi | Kofun period, 6th century | Gift of Toyonishi-village, Yamaguchi, J-5795 |