Nara Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Samita Takarazuka Kofun

LocationNara Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length111 m
PeriodLate 4th–early 5th c.

Overview

111m mound in Kawai-cho. Archaeologically renowned for the 'House-Pattern Mirror' bearing engravings of period buildings. The mirror is now held at the Tokyo National Museum.The House-Pattern Mirror is one of the most important sources for understanding Kofun-period architecture.

Finds & research

Multiple excavations by Kawai Town and the Kashihara Archaeological Research Institute (national historic site). Key burial chamber finds: 80+ bronze mirrors recovered en masse from the vertical-shaft stone chamber in the rear circle (including various triangular-rimmed and beast-motif types). The outstanding item is the "human-figure mirror" (jinbutsu gazo-kyo): a 4th-century mirror depicting in fine detail buildings, mounted figures, warriors, trees, and boats — a rare and valuable visual record. Cylindrical and figural haniwa rows, and two miniature ceramic vessels placed inside the haniwa rows, have also been confirmed. The miniature vessel placement matches practices at Shibuyamukaiyama (Tenri) and Otomeyama (Koryo), making these a significant indicator of a shared ritual tradition. Collections held by the Kashihara Archaeological Research Institute Museum and Kawai Town Board of Education.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
111m, two-tiered construction. Famous for the 'House-Pattern Mirror' (Kayo Kagami) engraved with images of pit-dwellings, raised storehouses, and ground-level structures — a primary resource for understanding Kofun-era architecture.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not managed by IHA.
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Sources

Wikipedia河合町教育委員会奈良県歴史文化資源データベース奈良県立橿原考古学研究所

Related kofun

Hashihaka Kofun (280m) Nishitonozuka Kofun (230m) Higashitonozuka Kofun (139m) Andonzan Kofun (242m) Shibuyamukaiyama Kofun (300m) Kurozuka Kofun (130m)
← Fujinoki Kofun Nagareyama Kofun →