Missing Swords Found After 1,250 Years
Modern technology has allowed researchers to identify two rusty swords that were uncovered in Nara in 1907:
An X-ray analysis confirmed the swords, which have been designated as national treasures, were offered to the statue more than 12 centuries ago, but went missing shortly afterward.
According to the Gangoji Institute for Research of Cultural Property and the temple, the swords, called Kingin So no Tachi (long sword decorated with gold and silver), are actually Yo no Hoken and In no Hoken, which should have been stored at the Shoso-in repository with many other priceless treasures.
The swords were treasured by Emperor Shomu (701-756) and dedicated to the statue after his death by Empress Komyo (701-760). They were stored in the Shoso-in at first but taken out a few years later, and their whereabouts had been a mystery ever since.
The swords, whose blades are about 80 centimeters long, were among items found buried under the pedestal of the Great Buddha statue.
Such pieces, usually including gold, silver and crystal in addition to swords, were often buried before halls and towers of temples were constructed, to soothe local deities and pray for the buildings’ safety.
The Mainichi also has an English language article about this.
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