Fujinoki Tomb

Fujinoki tomb (藤ノ木古墳, Fujinoki-kofun) is a tumulus, known as a kofun in Japanese, located in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan.

[2] On the other hand, Yamamoto Tadanao of Tenri University claims that some masks and sculptures exhibit the Northern Wei Chinese style.

[3] It is not known exactly how Fujinoki Tomb managed to stay relatively untouched, as monks are unlikely to have served as responsible guardians over the years.

However, there is still evidence that some theft occurred, as the sarcophagus is chipped on one corner, indicating that thieves had entered and attempted to pry off its lid.

Instead, the best piece of evidence that provides proof of actual riding are wooden stirrups that appear in the earlier portion of the fifth century [5] The grand category of items that are considered "horse-trappings" consists of wooden items (stirrups, saddles with gilt-bronze parts, and cheek plates) and iron (armor for horses, armor for riders, and weapons for the riders as well).

This example consisted of three slightly curved bars that joined at the top to complete a bronze frame that was floored by a foot piece made of wood.

Unfortunately, the stirrup found in Fujinoki is broken and multiple, large parts are missing that would have composed the remains of the reinforcing frame.