Pillows - "Stone Pillows and Burial Rituals in the Kofun Period"

Finished

In the Kofun period, various burial rituals were conducted, as inferred from excavated items such as tumuli and burial facilities. Among the various artifacts, some pillows were used to place the deceased in coffins. Although pillows are commonly used as bedding today, pillows from the Kofun period that have been discovered were primarily intended for the deceased.

During the Kofun period, various types of pillows were created, including those made of wood, stone, clay, and repurposed earthenware, as well as built-in pillows crafted from modified stone coffin bottoms. While various types of pillows were found across different regions during the Kofun and Asuka periods, the 'Jobon-style' stone pillows were particularly prevalent in the Joso region during the mid-Kofun period. Representative examples include the Joso-style stone pillows and stone decorations known as 'stone-standing flowers.' Traces left on stone pillows and stone-standing flowers have led to speculations about their connection to the ancient burial ritual known as "mogari," making them important artifacts providing insights into burial practices of that time.

This special winter exhibition will focus on the Joso-style stone pillows and stone-standing flowers, showcasing various stone pillows, earthenware pillows, and related materials from different regions. The aim is to explore the rise and decline of these artifacts and contemplate the burial rituals of that era.

Schedule

Jan 13 (Sat) 2024-Mar 10 (Sun) 2024