* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Todaiji Gold-and-Silver-Mounted Swords (Yoken and Inken)
東大寺金堂鎮壇具 金銀荘大刀（陽剣・陰剣）
Also known as: Yo-hoken and In-hoken, Emperor Shomu's Treasured Swords
Description
Overview
Two gold-and-silver-mounted swords among the Todaiji Kondo Chindangu were shown in 2010 to be the "Yo-hoken" and "In-hoken", treasured swords of Emperor Shomu that had been stored in the Shosoin. They form part of the foundation-ritual deposit found beneath the Great Buddha of Todaiji, are designated National Treasures, and are held by Todaiji.
Discovery
During repairs of the Great Buddha Hall in 1907-1908, excavation around the Buddha's lotus pedestal turned up a gilt-silver hunting-scene vessel, crystal boxes, three gold-inlaid-mounted swords, two gold-and-silver-mounted swords, one silver-mounted sword, glass beads, small blades and armor fragments. These are designated National Treasures as the Todaiji Kondo Chindangu.
Identification as Yo-hoken and In-hoken
X-ray examination during conservation revealed inlaid inscriptions reading "Yoken" and "Inken" on the two gold-and-silver-mounted blades. The Shosoin inventory Kokka Chinpocho records that in 756 Empress Komyo offered Emperor Shomu's belongings to the Great Buddha, listing these two swords first among a hundred daito. A note states they were taken out in 759, after which their whereabouts were lost. Todaiji and the Gangoji Institute announced the finding on 25 October 2010, reported as their rediscovery after about 1,250 years.
Form
Both are iron swords about one meter long, with lacquered wooden scabbards decorated in gold and silver. Why they left the Shosoin and were buried beneath the Buddha is thought to relate to Empress Komyo praying for the safety of the state, though this is not settled.
Today
The finds belong to Todaiji and are sometimes exhibited at the Nara National Museum and the Todaiji Museum. As daito predating the Japanese katana, they preserve the sword fittings of the Nara court.
Legends & Stories
Stored in the Shosoin as Emperor Shomu's treasured swords, they left the repository in 759 and were lost, then identified about 1,250 years later among finds from beneath the Great Buddha.