Writing and Government Officials in the Nara Period (710‒794)

Seal
Found in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)

Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
September 9, 2025 (Tue) - February 1, 2026 (Sun)

Paper and ink were introduced from abroad in the Asuka period (593–710), and upon the introduction of the ritsuryō, a system of governance based on a criminal and administrative code, writing became more common in Japan.
Both paper and wooden tablets were used for writing, while bronze seals were created and used throughout Japan by the central government, military corps, storehouses, temples, and individuals.

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 5 results

	Designation	Name	Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
	Important Cultural Property	Seal	Found in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka	Nara period, 8th century	J-34475
Highlight	Important Cultural Property	Seal	Found in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka	Nara period, 8th century	J-34806
Highlight	Important Cultural Property	Seal	Found in an unknown location	Heian period, 9th–10th century	Lent by Keisokuji Temple, Tochigi
Highlight		Wooden Tablets ("Mokkan") (Copy)	Original: found at Heijō Capital Site, Nara	Original: Nara period, 8th century	Lent by Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties
Highlight		Belt Fittings	Found at the Heijō-kyō Capital Site, Nara	Nara period, 8th century	Lent by Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

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