Known for a sword with the Later Han era name Chuhei (184–189) in gold inlay. According to the Tokyo National Museum, the blade was made in China in the 2nd century, while its bronze ring pommel was made in the Japanese archipelago in the 4th century.
Finds & research
The clay burial yielded the gold-inlaid Chuhei-inscribed sword with a flower-shaped pommel, swords with house-shaped pommels, stone bracelets, and other objects. The assemblage was designated a National Treasure in 2017.
Official status & archaeological view
Official status
The excavated assemblage held by the Tokyo National Museum is a National Treasure.
Archaeological view
A keyhole mound at Ichinomoto, Tenri, with a total length of about 130m (Tenri City; Agency for Cultural Affairs) or about 140m (Museum of the Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture). It was built in the latter half of the Early Kofun period. A 1961 excavation uncovered a clay burial in the rear and yielded swords with house-shaped pommels, the gold-inlaid Chuhei-inscribed sword, and other objects.
Field notes
The National Treasure assemblage is held by the Tokyo National Museum. Because displays rotate, check the museum schedule before visiting.