The Discovery of the Inariyama Tumulus Iron Sword and Its National Treasure Designation (Gold-Inlaid Inscribed Sword)
Shōwa 43 (1968) excavation
Inariyama Tumulus, Saitama Kofun Group (Special Historic Site), Gyōda, Saitama
- Date
- Shōwa 43 (1968) excavation
- Location
- Inariyama Tumulus, Saitama Kofun Group (Special Historic Site), Gyōda, Saitama
- Result
- Gold-inlaid inscriptions of 115 characters in total were found on both faces. The sword became an Important Cultural Property in 1981 and a National Treasure in 1983 (the National Treasure is designated as "Musashi Sakitama Inariyama Kofun Shutsudohin" (Excavated Artifacts from the Inariyama Tumulus), and the sword is included in it as "Kinsakumei Tekken"). The "Shingai year" in the inscription is taken to be 471 CE (a 531 CE view also exists in part).
Forces
Those who carried out the excavation and conservation (Saitama Prefecture and others)
The State (cultural property designation)
About 4 min read
Overview
At the rear mound of the Inariyama Tumulus in the Saitama Kofun Group, a Special Historic Site in Gyōda, Saitama, an excavation in 1968 (Shōwa 43) unearthed an iron sword together with grave goods such as a mirror with divine beasts and a ring-shaped boss design. Later, conservation work and X-ray examination in 1978 showed that 115 Chinese characters had been inlaid in gold on both faces of the sword. The sword was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1981 and a National Treasure in 1983 (Shōwa 58). The National Treasure is designated as "Musashi Sakitama Inariyama Kofun Shutsudohin" (Excavated Artifacts from the Inariyama Tumulus), and the sword is included in it as "Kinsakumei Tekken" (Gold-Inlaid Inscribed Iron Sword).
The Excavation
The 1968 excavation of the rear mound of the Inariyama Tumulus unearthed an iron sword together with grave goods such as a mirror with divine beasts and a ring-shaped boss design. At the time of excavation, the inscription on the sword had not been read.
The Inscription Comes to Light
Conservation work and X-ray examination in 1978 showed that a total of 115 Chinese characters had been inlaid in gold on both faces of the sword.
The Content of the Inscription
The inscription begins with the characters 辛亥年七月中記乎獲居臣上祖名意富比垝…. The "Shingai year" is generally taken to be 471 CE, though a 531 CE view also exists in part. The characters 乎獲居臣 are read "Wowake no Omi." The "Wakatakeru Ōkimi" in the inscription is Great King Wakatakeru, and the view that identifies him with Emperor Yūryaku is the leading one.
Designation
The sword was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1981 and a National Treasure in 1983. As a National Treasure it is one of the "Musashi Sakitama Inariyama Kofun Shutsudohin," included under the name "Kinsakumei Tekken."