Hoe-Shaped Stones

鍬形石

At a glance — Archaeological Object · Kofun period, 4th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated National Treasure of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation: National Treasure (国宝)
Category: Archaeological Objects
Period: Kofun period, 4th century
Date: 301–400
Held by: Tokyo National Museum
Location: Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID: cobas-116366

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Same period: Kofun archaeological objects →
At this museum: All 1632 works here →

This bracelet-shaped ritual object derives its name from its resemblance to plowing hoes. Originally, objects of this type were modeled after shell bracelets, but their designs were gradually simplified, with some made to be squarish in shape.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Designation: National Treasure (国宝), Government of Japan
Catalogue ID: cobas-116366 (permanent)
Official record: Japan Search — jpsearch.go.jp/item/cobas-116366
Holder's collection: ColBase — Tokyo National Museum
Photograph: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0. CC BY 4.0 licence

Cite this page: “Hoe-Shaped Stones（鍬形石）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-116366. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/hoe-shaped-stones/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.

Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)

Category: Archaeology:Media:Stone, precious stone
Cultural property designation: National Treasure
Genre: Archaeology
Material: Stone
分類: 考古
品質形状: 石製
員数: 23個
種別: 考古:材質:石・玉
法量: 長14.5～22.3

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National Treasure