"The transformation of Japan to a new way of life took place during the chronological and cultural period known as Yayoi. It began about 400 b.c. with what is generally thought to be the sudden appearance of a specific cultural complex which was new to Japan.
Most reviews of the Yayoi era place great stress on bronze goods, and it is true that these are quite striking and the most artistic of all Yayoi remains. Bronze does not appear to have been used for 'technomic' artifacts. Instead it appears that most bronzes were socio-ideo-technic artifacts.
Mirrors are unmistakably imported objects made in China in the last century B.C. Locally produced mirrors seem to have appeared only during the subsequent Kofun period. First it is certain that there was inter-community trade in bronzes either brought from the continent or made at one of the few production centers in Japan.
The fourth to seventh centuries A.D. in Japan are assigned to the Kofun or Tomb period. It was during this time that Japan passed from prehistory to the historically known civilization of the Asuka and Nara periods. In many respects the Kofun period is protohistoric since our knowledge of the time does not rest solely on archaeological evidence. A fairly large number of historical sources, both from the continent and from within Japan itself, refer to this period and shed considerable light on the social and historical developments that ultimately resulted in historic Japanese civilization. The period is also marked by the appearance of large, conspicuous, and richly outfitted burial mounds which have been studied by archaeologists. The archaeological material dating from this period includes various types of artifacts which reveal both the internal social developments taking place within Japan itself.
Present in early Kofun tombs are several characteristic types of burial wealth known as Japanese Sacred Imperial Regalia: Kuzanagi (sword), Magatama (jewel), and Kagami (mirror). Since being mentioned in early historical records, they may well have had both religious and decorative significance. Their use as grave goods represents the persistence of a Yayoi pattern and indicates continued contact with China and other continental cultures. An important innovation of Early Kofun times is the appearance of native Japanese copies of continental prototypes. These appear during the fourth century and, although not always the best workmanship, very early assume distinctive Japanese qualities.
Excavated in Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture. Kofun Period.
Bronze metal with elaborate design." (Haynes & Long)
9.20cm |
