An analysis by the Nara National Museum revealed that a gold component was detected on the surface of the national treasure craft "Ginzuru," which was owned by Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Prefecture and has been used in the design of definitive stamps for over 30 years. rice field.
The museum believes that it may have been a gorgeous figure with gold plating throughout when it was first made.
The "Ginzuru", which is about 13 cm high, is said to have been dedicated to the Wakamiya Shrine in the precincts of Kasuga Taisha Shrine around the 12th century during the Heian period, and expresses the elegant appearance of the crane at the moment when it spreads its wings and takes off. ..
It is dull silver now, but in February last year, the Nara National Museum conducted a scientific analysis on the head, back, and left wing to make a replica, and found that gold was found in all places. Ingredients have been detected.
At the same time, mercury was also detected, so it is highly possible that the museum had gold-plated the surface of the crane made of silver by applying a mixture of gold and mercury.
"Ginzuru" has been designated as a national treasure along with other crafts dedicated to Wakamiya Shrine, and has been used in the design of 100-yen definitive stamps for over 30 years since 1981.
Toshiyuki Torigoe, who was in charge of scientific analysis at the Nara National Museum, said, "I think there was a stereotype that it was silver, but there are some that are new to the survey. It is rare and valuable for the Heian period." I am.