150 years later, cultural relics from the emperor’s tomb appeared –

Since its unexpected opening in 1872, it is believed to be the funeral of daisenryo Kofun in Osaka City, Sakai City, Osaka City, Japan, and is considered to be the tomb of the fifth-century emperor Nintoku. They were acquired by art dealer Kokugakuin University in 2024.

The knife has iron blades and is wrapped in its original cypress sheath, covered with gilded copper. Five silver rivets were found on the sheath, and X-rays found that the gold-plated copper plate was .5mm thick. At that time, this was a highly advanced technology.

Scientific analysis revealed that the knife’s wooden sheath (made of Japanese cypress) was wrapped in a gold-plated copper plate and secured with silver rivets. The iron blade is divided into two parts, with dimensions of 6.9 cm and 3.7 cm, indicating that the original length is about 15 cm. Experts consider this to be ritual rather than functional, and point out that other gilded knives buried by Kofou in the fifth century have not been documented.

The armor fragments, which measure 3-4 cm, are made of gold-coated iron, rather than gold-plated copper once assumed from historical drawings. This revision emphasizes how modern materials science perfects our understanding of ancient craftsmanship.

According to archaeologist Taro Fukazawa of Kokugakuin University, “These are not everyday weapons. They are likely created specifically for the funerals of the ruling elite, demonstrating the extraordinary political and economic capabilities of Nintoku Court.”

Their origin was identified through original paper packaging with handwritten labels and Kaichiro Kashiwagi, the builder who exposed the front of the landslide and folded the stone chamber in 1872 and closed the grave in 1872. As a royal tomb. Glassware-before backfilling. Until last year’s items appeared on the market, the grave was only visible in the illustrations of Kashwaji.

For everyone except wealthy collector Takashi Masuda, that is, it happens to be closely linked to Kashwaji. So now we know that he has not reconsidered everything he found. He plundered at least some of them, obviously the smallest pieces.

The keyhole-shaped tumor is 486 meters long (1595 feet), the widest point is 300 meters (980 feet) and 34 meters (112 feet) high. It is surrounded by three moats. Koyhole Kofun is the largest and most refined of the 20,000 kofuns built between the 3rd and 6th centuries. Daisenryo Kofun is one of only three rulers ruled by the Imperial Family Bureau. The agency manages the mound tightly, and no one is allowed in it or in it. People are only allowed in and around the moat, which is a popular fishing spot.

Knife and armor fragments have been loaned to the Sakai City Museum for display. They will be on display there until September 7.