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Objects Buried in Sutra Mounds

Ritual Bell with a Five-Pronged Vajra
Found at the Ikō Sutra Mound, Tokyo, Heian period, 12th century

Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
April 8, 2026 (Wed) - September 13, 2026 (Sun)

In addition to sutras preserved in sutra cases and their protective outer containers, various dedicatory objects have been excavated from sutra mounds. The most common are knives, mirrors, and lidded vessels. A variety of other objects, including Buddhist ritual implements, weapons, and pieces of furniture, have also been unearthed. The variety of those burial goods depended on factors such as the historical period and region, as well as the social standing of those who constructed the sutra mounds.

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 4 results

	Designation	Name		Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
Highlight		Ritual Bell with a Five-Pronged Vajra		Found at the Ikō Sutra Mound, Tokyo	Heian period, 12th century	E-14368
Highlight		Fragment of a Pagoda		Found at the Nishiiwasaki Sutra Mound, Shizuoka	Heian period, 12th century	E-15041
Highlight		Water Dropper		China, Found at the Kinugasajō Sutra Mound, Shizuoka	Heian period, 12th century; creation: Southern Song dynasty, 12th century	E-14969
Highlight		The Buddha Dainichi		Found on the peak of Mt. Oizuru, Ishikawa	Muromachi period, 16th century	E-14504

Exhibitions