Mirror with Four Animals

The Higashinomiya Tumulus is a 78-meter long, keyhole-shaped tumulus on the hill of Hakusan in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. Archeological research in 1973 turned up numerous artifacts from the stone chamber with side entrance in the back of the tumulus. The artifacts consist of 11 mirrors, including one with a triangular rim and motifs of animals and gods, and hoe-shaped and wheel-shaped objects that were a type of bracelet made of jasper during the Kofun period (ca. 250-ca. 600). Sacred jewels were also excavated. The Higashinomiya Tumulus, the oldest tumulus in the Owari region, is believed to have been constructed in the late 4th century.

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