Takamatsuzuka Tumulus Nara
Takamatsuzuka Kofun · Takamatsuzuka Tomb
Kofun Late Asuka 7th–8th c CE·Asuka court elite — naturalistic procession mural·🇯🇵 Japan, Kansai, Nara Prefecture, Asuka village, Takamatsuzuka hill 500 m north of Kitora on Abuyama, Asuka valley central Kinai, Japan
About
About Takamatsuzuka Tumulus Nara
Takamatsuzuka Tumulus Nara — 7th–8th c CE decorated kofun (stone chamber 2.65×1.0×1.13 m) on Asuka hill 500 m north Kitora, famous 1972 National Treasure discovery of Asuka court murals: west wall women procession (Asuka bijin), north star map, and east tiger. Excavated 1972 by Nara National after farmer's plough hit stone, conservation still ongoing due to mold (2008 dismantled). Painted with mineral pigments (malachite, cinnabar) plus Chinese Six Dynasties costume details. Late Kofun of possible Imperial clan or court lady. Companion to Kitora 1 km south.
Why it mattersJapan's most famous Asuka bijin mural — procession and star map defining Asuka painting before Heijo
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Occupant identity — Imperial princess or court lady?
Theories
- 01Asuka bijin as Yamato court Chinese fashion diffusion
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.700 CE (late Asuka, late 7th–early 8th c)
- Period
- Kofun Late Asuka 7th–8th c CE
- Culture
- Asuka court elite — naturalistic procession mural
- Builders
- Asuka court artisans (Tang–Silla costume influence)
- Purpose
- Decorated elite kofun preserving Asuka naturalistic mural school before Heijo-kyo
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.700 CE
Asuka elite chamber painted with bijin procession
1972
Farmer plough hits Takamatsuzuka stones; murals revealed
2008
Mold crisis — murals dismantled for conservation
On the ground
Structures & features
34.4622° N · 135.8047° E · 145 m · 2 mapped features
Western Asuka Bijin Mural
muralWest wall Asuka bijin (beautiful women) procession mural with Six Dynasties silk robe
34.4623° N · 135.8046° ENorth Ceiling Star Map
muralNorth ceiling star chart with five-pointed stars surrounding shijin on lime plaster
34.4621° N · 135.8048° E
Gallery