Location Ishikawa Archaeological Foundation
Kiyomizu Temple Site Artifact: Changsha Kiln Water Jug
- Display status
- No permanent display
- Period
- Early Heian Period (late 9th century)
- Form/Type
- Archaeological material
- Location
- Yawata (Komatsu City)
The Kiyomizu Temple Site is a mountain temple located on a hill in the eastern part of Komatsu City, and has existed for about 500 years since the late 9th century. A water jug from the Tang Dynasty in China was excavated from a large ditch from the Heian period. This water jug is 20.4 cm high and has a 9.7 cm diameter opening at the top. In addition, there is a short spout and ears on the shoulders, grape reliefs are attached at three positions on the body, and brown glaze covers it. The production area is Changsha Kiln in Hunan Province, China. It is one of the ceramic items imported to Japan during the Heian period, along with an Esshu Kiln celadon cup found in the same ditch.
It is believed that these imported ceramics were brought to Kiyomizu Temple which had begun temple activities in the mountains, via the ancient Kyoto Imperial Capital and the Kaga provincial capital, where they were used for Buddhist implements.
Similar water jugs have also been excavated at the Sasaki Asabatake Site in Komatsu City and the Miura Komyo Site in Hakusan City, indicating that influential people active in the Kaga region during the Heian period were also able to obtain high-quality imported ceramics.
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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
