Ancient Buddhist Site: Komachizuka Sutra Mound
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Mandorla (Halo), Clay, Excavated from Komachizuka Sutra Mound, Tanga, Uraguchi-cho, Ise-shi, Mie, Heian period, dated 1174 (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
September 21, 2022 (Wed) - March 12, 2023 (Sun)In ancient Japan, people buried Buddhist scriptures and ritual objects in "sutra mounds," which were essentially time capsules meant to transmit the Buddha’s teachings to future generations. The Komachizuka Sutra Mound is located near Toyouke Daijingu Shrine (commonly known as the "Outer Shrine" of Ise Grand Shrine) in Mie Prefecture. It was constructed during the Heian period (794–1192) on a very large scale, as suggested by the objects unearthed from it. These objects include tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and dated 1174; a component of an earthenware five-ring pagoda; stoneware halos and pedestals; sutra cases; and bronze mirrors.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Halo | Found at Komachizuka Sutra Mound, Mie | Heian period, 1174 | J-36772 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Lotus Pedestal | Found at Komachizuka Sutra Mound, Mie | Heian period, 1174 | J-36775 |