46–48m keyhole mound in Muko City — National Historic Site within the Otokuni Kofun Group. Mid-6th century; noted for its lavish grave goods including a gold-bronze crown, horse trappings, and numerous glass beads. Some artifacts on display at Muko City Buried Cultural Properties Center. A medieval legend holds that the hearse of Emperor Junna was buried here.
Finds & research
Gold-bronze crown, horse trappings (stirrups, bit, etc.), 1,300+ glass beads, iron weapons, tools, Haji ware, Sue ware (Kyoto Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties). Single-flanked horizontal stone chamber (~11m) with composite stone coffin.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
46–48m keyhole mound, 9m high rear. Mid-6th century. Single-flanked (片袖式) horizontal stone chamber (~11m) with composite stone coffin. Artifacts: gold-bronze crown, horse trappings, 1,300+ glass beads, weapons, tools, pottery. The gold-bronze crown is an exceptional highest-class burial good rarely seen in the Otokuni region; its association with the Keitai reign period has been suggested. The name "Kurumazuka" derives from a medieval legend that a hearse of Emperor Junna was buried here.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Designated as part of the National Historic Site "Otokuni Kofun Group" in 2016. Artifacts designated as Kyoto Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties in 2018. Managed by Muko City.
Field notes
Muko City Buried Cultural Properties Center (about 5 min walk from Hankyu Higashi-Mukou Station) displays the gold-bronze crown and other finds (free admission). The place name "Mozume" derives from the area surrounding this kofun.