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Kofun Period
Following the Yayoi Period of Japan when farming and metalworking techniques were introduced from mainland Asia was the Kofun Period (c. 250 CE - 538 CE) where the religion of Shinto emerges from the beliefs of previous eras and the Yamato...
Definition
Kofun
Kofun (old tumuli) are large artificial mound tombs built in ancient Japan for the ruling elite between the 3rd and 7th century CE. Many measure several hundred metres across, are surrounded by a moat, and, besides containing valuable bronze...
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Shionjiyama Kofun
Shionjiyama kofun in Yao, Osaka, Japan. 3rd-7th century CE.
Definition
Jomon Period
The Jomon Period is the earliest historical era of Japanese history which began around 14500 BCE, coinciding with the Neolithic Period in Europe and Asia, and ended around 300 BCE when the Yayoi Period began. The name Jomon, meaning 'cord...
Definition
Ancient Japan
Ancient Japan has made unique contributions to world culture which include the Shinto religion and its architecture, distinctive art objects such as haniwa figurines, the oldest pottery vessels in the world, the largest wooden buildings anywhere...
Definition
Yayoi Period
The Yayoi Period is one of the oldest historical periods of Japan spanning from c. 300 BCE to c. 250 CE, preceded by the Jomon Period and followed by the Kofun Period. The name Yayoi comes from the district in Tokyo where the first artifacts...
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Unusual Object from Japanese Kofun
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)
Definition
Asuka Period
The Asuka Period (Asuka Jidai) of ancient Japan covers the period from 538 CE to 710 CE and, following on from the Kofun Period (c. 250-538 CE), so constitutes the latter part of the Yamato Period (c. 250-710 CE). For some scholars the period...
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Jewels from Niizawa Senzuka Tumulus
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)
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Ancient Japanese inkstone
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)