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Treasure of Okinoshima

  • Sword,
Name Sword, Daggers and Ornamental Part
Classification Iron (for Sword and Daggers); Silvered-Plated Iron (for Ornament)
Excavated Point Excavated from Sites No. 4 and No. 7
Designated Category National Treasure
Era (real era) 6th Century
volume Sword: L. 61.2cm; Ornament: Widest D. 4.7cm
Description Iron daggers with guards made of iron and collar pieces made of silver were excavated from Site number four and Site number seven. The iron swords featured ornamental pieces of silver close to the hilt. Eight mountain-shaped stone beads and one twisted-hilt end ornament were discovered close to the iron dagger, so it is thought that the top of the sword handle featured the twisted-hilt end, and that the handle was accompanied by a sash decorated with the mountain-shaped stone beads, making this a tachi: a twisted-hilt end long sword. Close to the iron-sword as well, nine mountain-shaped stone beads and one twisted-hilt end ornament were found, so it’s very likely that these were decorated with the same exterior features.