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Oban and Koban Coins

  • Image of "Tensho Hishi (With lozenge-shaped mark) ObanGold coin, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1588 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)"

    Tensho Hishi (With lozenge-shaped mark) ObanGold coin, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1588 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
    January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 3, 2019 (Sun)

    Coins called oban and koban were used in Japan from the late 16th to the mid-19th century. They were forged with a combination of gold and silver in fixed shapes and sizes under the administration of Japan’s military government. Koban (small coins), were for daily use, while oban (large coins), which were of much greater value, were usually sent as gifts by the wealthy.

     

 Major works in this exhibition
* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
 Major works in this exhibition
* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
Tensho Hishi (With lozenge-shaped mark) Oban, Gold coin, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1588 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Tensho Naga (Long) Oban, Gold coin, Azuchi-Momoyama period, ca. 1595–1600 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Hirumokin (In shape of hirumo plant), Gold coin, Muromachi period, 16th century (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Man'en Oban, Gold coin, Edo period, 1860–62 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
 
Exhibitions