One of the notable funerary artifacts from the Daisenryo Kofun in Sakai City includes a gold-plated knife and gilded armor fragments, newly examined after decades in a private collection. The knife comes with an iron blade enclosed in a cypress sheath covered with gold-plated copper, featuring silver rivets. It is believed to have been ceremonial due to its unique aspects, with no similar knives found from fifth-century burials. The armor, made from iron coated in gold, enhances understanding of ancient craftsmanship through scientific analysis.
The knife has an iron blade encased by its original cypress sheath covered in gold-plated copper, demonstrating advanced technology for the 5th century.
Experts believe the gold-plated knife was ceremonial due to its unique design, with no comparable artifacts found from fifth-century kofun burials.
The armor fragments made of iron coated with gold highlight a refinement in our understanding of ancient craftsmanship through modern materials science.
Archaeologist Taro Fukazawa noted that these artifacts were likely burial offerings, reflecting the extraordinary political and economic power of the Nintoku court.
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