Images

This ancient horn-shaped vessle was excavated at Shishuzuka Tumulus, which is located in Mihamacho, Fukui prefecture, Japan. It dates from the 6th century CE, during the Kofun period. (Tokyo National Museum)

This keg-shaped pot with an opening for pouring was excavated at Enomachi, in Fukuoka prefecture, Japan. It dates from the 6th century CE or during the Kofun period. Note the curious "wave-like" designs, which might function as decor. (Tokyo...

This jar was excavated from a box-style stone coffin in Daishogunyama Tumulus on Tsushima, the Japanese island closest to the Korean peninsula. Its round body was created by lightly beating the outer surface of the bottom part with a beating...

This ceremonial object in the shape of a staff is made of Jasper. It is Japanese and it dates to the 4th century CE, during the Kofun period. (Tokyo National Museum)

This gilt-bronze horse bit was excavated from Kenzaki Otsuka, which is located in Japan's Gumna prefecture. It dates from the 6th century CE, during the Kofun period. (Tokyo National Museum)

This haniwa warrior in tanko armor is a terracotta tomb figurine. It comes from Kamichujo in Saitama prefecture, Japan. It dates from the 5th-6th century CE, during the Kofun period. Important cultural property. (Tokyo National Museum)

This clay tablet with sutra inscriptions was excavated at Komachizuka Sutra Mound in Tanga, which is located in Mie prefecture, Japan. It dates to 1174 CE (Jo'an 4). Important cultural property. (Tokyo National Museum)

This unusual object made of clay was excavated at Musota in Wakayama prefecture, Japan. It dates from the 5th century CE, during the Kofun period. It may have been used for ritualistic purposes. (Tokyo National Museum)

These golden jewels come from the Niizama Senzuka No. 126 Tumulus, which is located in Kawanishicho, Nara prefecture, Japan. They date the 5th century CE, during the Kofun period. (Tokyo National Museum)

This inkstone was excavated at Miyahara No. 1 Tumulus in Miyahara, Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. It dates from the 7th century CE, during the Kofun period. (Tokyo National Museum)