EARLY KOFUN PERIOD (4TH CENTURY)

These stone carvings, of jasper or steatite, resemble shells, and larger examples are often in the form of “bracelets.” Examples in American collections can be found in the Harry Packard Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Avery Brundage Collection at the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco; and the Seattle Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. John C. Atwood, Jr.. Regional leaders of the Kofun (Old Tomb) period buried these stone carvings and bracelets in their tombs to glorify and ensure eternal life for the deceased. They also buried armor and swords (see lots 2 and 3).