Inlaid Swords from the Inarizuka Tumulus in Saitama

Ring Pommel with a Phoenix
Found at the Inarizuka Tumulus, Saitama, Kofun period, 6th century

Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
December 13, 2022 (Tue) - June 25, 2023 (Sun)

In Japan, inlaid iron swords became prevalent by the 6th century, during the Kofun period (ca. 3rd–7th century). A pommel named Ring Pommel with a Phoenix that was found at the Inarizuka Tumulus in Saitama Prefecture would have been attached to one of these swords. Noted for its gold and silver inlay decoration, this pommel shares similar characteristics with Korean pommels featuring dragons and phoenixes.

These Korean pommels were made for swords that were widely used in the regions around Dae Gaya, a small state that existed in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 3 results

	Designation	Name	Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
Highlight		Ring Pommel with a Phoenix	Found at the Inarizuka Tumulus, Saitama	Kofun period, 6th century	J-8035-1
		Sword with a Guard	Found at the Inarizuka Tumulus, Saitama	Kofun period, 6th century	J-8035-2
		Knife	Found at the Inarizuka Tumulus, Saitama	Kofun period, 6th century	J-8036

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