Nara National Museum to Display the Chiljido
in Special Exhibition Until Next Month
An X-ray examination of the cultural heritage artifact "Chiljido" (Seven-Branched Sword), which was made by Baekje and delivered to Japan about 1,600 years ago, has revealed that its interior is almost entirely free of corrosion and is in remarkably good condition.
The Chiljido is an iron sword with a unique shape, featuring three branches extending from each side. It is known to have been crafted by Baekje about 1,600 years ago and presented to Japan. The sword, which has been handed down at Isonokami Shrine in Tenri, Nara Prefecture, was first brought to the attention of academia around 1874. There are about 60 characters engraved on the front and back of the blade, although some are difficult to decipher.
Yonhap News reported on the 20th, citing Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, that the Nara National Museum conducted a detailed investigation using the latest X-ray analysis equipment to check the preservation status of the Chiljido ahead of a special exhibition. The investigation found that there was almost no internal corrosion, and the sword was confirmed to be in exceptionally good condition for an ancient iron artifact.
The museum undertook this examination in conjunction with the special exhibition "Super National Treasures - Eternal Beauty," which is being held to commemorate the 130th anniversary of its opening and features the Chiljido. The museum explained that portions of the inscription on the sword, previously obscured by rust, have become clearer. The museum also plans to form an expert committee in consultation with relevant organizations and to conduct a detailed analysis of the inscriptions.
On the 18th, the press is looking at the Chiljido at the press preview of the special exhibition "Super National Treasures - Eternal Beauty" held at the Nara National Museum in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The exhibition, held in the East and West Wings until June 15 to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the museum's opening, features a total of 143 items, including 112 national treasures and 16 important cultural properties. Photo by Yonhap News
Inoue Yoichi, Director of the Nara National Museum, stated, "The condition is so good that it is almost hard to believe it is truly a 1,600-year-old sword. It can be called miraculous," adding, "I hope this will lead to further research that brings us closer to understanding the true nature of the Chiljido."
Meanwhile, the Chiljido will be on public display at the Nara National Museum until June 15 as part of the special exhibition. The museum described it as "an astonishing and precious artifact that demonstrates the reality of Korea-Japan exchanges over 1,600 years," adding, "It was made by the Baekje royal family for the king of Wa (Japan)."
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