William Gowland was one of the many foreign advisors who went to Japan in the Meiji era (1868-1912). He was a skilled metallurgist and was employed at the Japan Mint (Osaka) from 1872 to 1888. He was also a keen amateur archaeologist investigating some 406 tombs of the Kofun period (about 300 – mid-6th century AD) and surveying 140. The extent and accuracy of Gowland’s surveys were such that he became known as the ‘Father of Japanese Archaeology’.
On his return to Britain in 1888 Gowland brought with him his extensive collection of Kofun-period artefacts. This collection, which is arguably the finest of its kind outside Japan, was later acquired by the British Museum and is now the subject of an extensive survey by a team of Japanese archaeologists.
This public seminar will introduce some of the key findings of the Gowland Collection survey while also exploring the considerable contribution Gowland made to archaeology in Japan. Joining us will be two members of the Gowland Collection survey team, Professor Kazuo Ichinose (Kyoto Tachibana University), and Professor Tetsuo Hishida (Kyoto Prefecture University). and chairing proceedings will be Dr Akira Matsuda (University of East Anglia).
This event is free to attend but prior booking is essential. To reserve a place, please email your name and the title of the event you would like to attend to event@jpf.org.uk
More information here
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