Overview
The Artifacts Excavated from Inariyama Kofun, Musashi-Saitama are a collection of grave goods found in the Inariyama Kofun, located within the “Sakitama Kofun Group” in Gyōda City, Saitama Prefecture. During an excavation survey in 1968, numerous extremely valuable burial items were unearthed from the gravel enclosure in the rear semi-circular section. These artifacts are considered primary historical sources for understanding the formation of ancient Japanese statehood and were designated as a kokuhō (National Treasure) in 1983.
Historical Background
The Inariyama Kofun, which contained these items, is a keyhole tomb (zenkō-kōen-fun) constructed during the mid-Kofun Period (late 5th century). Of particular interest are the inscriptions found on the great sword discovered during preservation work in 1978. The inscription details not only the date (“Shinai Nen,” traditionally dated to 471 CE) but also the lineage and achievements of “Ohake no Omi” (ōwake no omi), who served as a personal guard captain to Ōkimi (Wakatakeru Ōkimi / Emperor Yūryaku, the 21st emperor). This discovery was a major archaeological breakthrough, proving that the power of the Yamato Court at the time extended into the Kantō region and demonstrating strong political ties between the central government and local domains.
Features and Appeal
The greatest appeal of the Inariyama Kofun artifacts lies in their excellent state of preservation and how they transmit advanced craftsmanship techniques from antiquity to the modern era.
- Gold Inscribed Great Sword: The sword features 115 characters inscribed using gold inlay (kinzōgan)—57 on the front and 58 on the back. These inscriptions are invaluable as epigraphic evidence that fills gaps in Japanese ancient history.
- Diverse Grave Goods: Beyond the great sword, the collection includes various items such as mirrors with engraved images (gashō-kyō), military equipment (armor, iron arrowheads), horse trappings, and ornaments made of jade. These objects tell a story of the immense power and luxurious culture of the ruling clans during that era.
- Technical Value: The intricate gold inlay technique and the designs on the mirrors suggest deep cultural exchange and technological transfer across East Asia during the Kofun Period.
- Historical Verification: This is one of the rare instances where historical accounts found in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki (classical Japanese texts) align with archaeological evidence, making it an extremely rare National Treasure that explicitly names a real Ōkimi (Emperor) and his subordinate officials.
Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)