国宝こくほう「七なな支刀がたな」内部ないぶはほとんど腐食ふしょくせず “状態じょうたいよく奇跡きせき的てき”

The Nara National Museum has examined the national treasure Shichishitō Seven-Branched Sword, which is believed to have been brought from the Korean Peninsula during the Kofun period, using the latest analytical equipment. As a result, it was found that the interior is hardly corroded and is being preserved in extremely good condition.

The museum says, For a sword thats 1,600 years old, its condition is extremely good—its miraculous.

The national treasure Shichishitō is an iron sword with a unique shape, featuring three branch-like blades protruding from each side. It is said to have been brought to Japan from the Korean Peninsula during the Kofun period about 1,600 years ago.

The Isonokami Shrine in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture owns it, but as an exhibition displaying items such as the Seven-Branched Sword is being held, the Nara National Museum conducted an investigation using the latest X-ray analysis equipment to check its preservation status and other factors.

As a result, it was revealed that internal corrosion had hardly progressed, and the item was preserved in an exceptionally good condition for an ancient iron artifact.

There are inscriptions on the sword, and parts that had been obscured by rust have now become clear. The museum plans to consult with related organizations and establish a committee of experts to conduct detailed analyses of the inscriptions.

Director Yoichi Inoue of the Nara National Museum said, The condition is so good that its almost hard to believe its really a sword from 1,600 years ago—its miraculous.

I hope this will lead to research that gets to the heart of the true nature of the Seven-Branched Sword, he said.

The Seven-Branched Sword is on display at the exhibition being held at the Nara National Museum until June 15th.