Location Ishikawa Archaeological Foundation
Kamo Site etc. Artifact: Kocho-Junisen Coins
- Display status
- Partial display
- Period
- Nara and Heian Period
- Form/Type
- Archaeological material
- Location
- Kamo, Funabashi, etc. (Tsubata-machi, Kahoku-gun)
The Kocho Junisen are twelve types of coins issued by the Ritsuryo government, starting with Wado Kaichin (first minted in 708) and ending with Kengen Taiho (first minted in 958).
In Ishikawa Prefecture, 8 out of the 12 types have been discovered (Wado Kaichin, Man-nen Tsuho, Jingu Kaiho, Ryuhei Eiho, Fuju Shinpo, Jowa Shoho, Nyoeki Shinpo, Engi Tsuho) at Kamo Site (Tsubata Town), Takando Site (Komatsu City) and Shikichi Tekkyo Site (Kaga City). One of the characteristics of the unearthed items is that the number of Wado Kaichin coins is the largest, and extremely few Fuju Shinpo (first minted in 818) and latter coins have been found. In addition, one silver Wado Kaichin coin, which is rare even across Japan, was excavated from each of the Suematsu Haiji Site in Nonoichi City and Kamo Site in Tsubata Town.
Many of the unearthed coins were buried during rituals such as groundbreaking ceremonies, and it is noteworthy that they have a stronger ritual aspect than circulation as currency. It is also worth noting that many different types of coins were used in Kamimatsuri rituals, as with Jike Site in Hakui City.
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Opened in 1998 as an open facility for the excavation and organization of excavated artifacts and the publication of reports on buried cultural properties (archaeological sites) that convey the history and culture of Ishikawa prefecture, as well as to hold exhibitions and lectures that make use of the results. The exhibition rooms comprise sections organized by theme and era, where you can see and touch precious earthenware and stone tools discovered from archaeological sites throughout the prefecture. In 2001, they also opened the Ancient Experience Area, where you can enjoy learning about the lives and techniques of ancient people. Both adults and children can learn about local history in an accessible and easy manner, while deepening their interest and understanding of cultural properties.
18-1 Nakatomachi, Kanazawa, 920-1336 Google Maps
TEL 076-229-4477 E-mail daihyou@ishikawa-maibun.or.jp
