Sword with an Inscription and a Ring Pommel

金象嵌銘環頭大刀

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

Fact Sheet

Designation: National Treasure (国宝)
Category: Archaeological Objects
Period: Kofun period
Date: 301–400
Held by: Tokyo National Museum
Location: Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID: cobas-116327

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

This is the oldest sword with an inscription excavated in Japan. 24 characters are inscribed in gold inlay on the section opposite the blade. Tokyo National Museum is home to several objects excavated from the Todaijiyama Tumulus in Nara Prefecture. This example is a long sword with a gold inlay inscription. The sword features a ring-shaped pommel on the end of the handle. This bronze pommel was made in Japan and attached to an iron blade from China. Twenty-four characters are inscribed on the blade section in gold inlay. The inscription states that the blade was made during the Chinese Zhong Ping era, during the reign of the 12th ruler of the Eastern Han dynasty, Emperor Ling. The Zhong Ping era lasted from 184 to 189, making this the oldest sword with inscription to be found in Japan.

— 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-116327 (permanent)
Official record: Japan Search — jpsearch.go.jp/item/cobas-116327
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: “Sword with an Inscription and a Ring Pommel（金象嵌銘環頭大刀）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-116327. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/sword-with-an-inscription-and-a-ring-pommel/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.

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