Japanese warrior in stone - a photo on Flickriver

This is a 6th century rendition of a warrior, made of stone.

This period of Japanese history is known as the Kofun period, which literally means the old grave period. And, as might be expected from that name, the period is famous for its graves: enormous earth mounds of different shapes which still can be seen in the Japanese landscape (even in the middle of cities, including Tokyo). And I do mean enormous.

The Kofun period burials are perhaps most known for its Haniwa sculptures - made of terracotta (for a Haniwa warrior from roughly the same time, see: www.flickr.com/photos/dameboudicca/16545691348 ). But as can be seen here, they also made sculptures of stone, and they are quite massive.

This one is from the Iwatoyama Tumulus, the largest burial of its kind in northern Kyushu (the mound length is 135 metres, and the height 18 metres). The burial is thought to be that of Tsukushi no Kuni Iwai, identified from historical texts (primarily Nihon Shoki). Iwai was a powerful local leader and he was the head of what would later be called the Iwai rebellion, against the Yamato court. Iwai did not succeed, and the Yamatos were strengthened. (This was before the unified Japan we know today.)

The exact function of the stone sculptures are unknown - but whatever there is a religious and/or political or even decorative function, there is no denying it must have been quite impressive, and perhaps even slightly intimidating.

It is labeled as an Important Cultural Property, and is on display at the Tokyo National Museum.

Taken in: Japan / Tokyo / Uenosakuragi (show map)

Taken on: February 9, 2023

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Musée national de Tokyo

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博物館

東京国立博物館

stone warrior

warrior

krigare

guerrero

guerrier

戦士

kofun

古墳時代

古墳

scultura

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彫刻

statue

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stone man

石人

岩戸山古墳

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Sets appears in: • My own favourites • Japan more » • Museum objects « less

Groups appears in: • THE PAST RESISTS...

Camera: Nikon D90, f/3.8, 1/8 sec, 22mm (=33mm), ISO 200 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D90
Lens:	18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Aperture:	f/3.8
Exposure Time:	0.125 sec (1/8)
Focal Length:	22mm (35mm equivalent: 33mm)
ISO:	200
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	No Flash
Exposure Program:	Shutter speed priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Ver.1.00
Show full info

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